Wine tours in Rioja Oriental wine region

Discover the Rioja Oriental wine region

The spirit of wine in Rioja.

The Eastern Rioja Wine Route is located in the province of La Rioja, where we can discover 11 wineries.

The route passes through 6 towns with wineries that offer wine tourism. Within the route, Aldeanueva de Ebro has the most wineries to visit, with 5 wineries.

The Rioja Oriental Wine Region, formerly known as Rioja Baja, is one of the three subregions that make up the larger La Rioja wine region in Spain. La Rioja is one of the most renowned and prestigious wine-producing areas in the country, and it is located in the northern part of Spain.

Key characteristics of the Rioja Oriental Wine Region:

Location: Rioja Oriental is situated in the eastern part of the La Rioja wine region, closer to the Ebro River and the border with the autonomous community of Navarre. It is the warmest and driest subregion of Rioja.

Climate: The climate in Rioja Oriental is influenced by its southern and Mediterranean location. Summers are generally hot and dry, which can lead to higher grape ripening and sugar levels.

Soil: The soils in Rioja Oriental are diverse, including alluvial, clay, and limestone soils. These various soil types contribute different characteristics and nutrients to the vines.

Grape Varieties: The main grape varieties used in Rioja Oriental, as in the rest of the Rioja region, are Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan), and Graciano for red wines, and Viura and Malvasía for white wines.

Wine Styles: The Rioja Oriental Wine Region primarily produces red wines, although some rosé and white wines are also made. The red wines tend to be more robust and fruit-forward due to the warmer climate.

Aging: Like the rest of Rioja, wines from Rioja Oriental can be classified based on their aging in oak barrels and bottle. The aging categories are Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.

The Rioja Oriental Wine Region has its own unique characteristics compared to the other subregions of La Rioja. The warmer climate and diverse soils influence the grape growing and winemaking processes, resulting in wines with distinct personalities and flavor profiles.

Rioja, as a whole, is known for producing high-quality and age-worthy wines. Rioja Oriental contributes to this reputation with wines that showcase the rich fruit flavors and structure, making it a compelling destination for wine enthusiasts seeking to explore the different expressions of Rioja's terroir and winemaking traditions.