Rioja is one of Spain's most famous wine regions, known for producing some of the country's finest wines. Located in the north of Spain, Rioja is home to a range of grape varieties and winemaking styles, making it an exciting region to explore for wine enthusiasts. In this beginner's guide to Rioja wines, we'll take a closer look at the region's history, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques to help you get started on your Rioja wine journey. 1. The History of Rioja Wines Rioja has a rich winemaking history dating back to the Roman Empire. But it wasn't until the 19th century that Rioja wines gained international recognition. In the 1850s, a fungal disease devastated the French vineyards, leading to an increase in demand for Spanish wines. Rioja was one of the regions that benefitted from this, and by the end of the 19th century, it was the most important wine region in Spain. 2. The Basics of Rioja Wines The most common grape varieties used in Rioja wines are Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano for red wines and Viura, Malvasía, and Garnacha Blanca for white wines. Tempranillo is the dominant grape variety in Rioja, accounting for around 75% of the region's red wine production. It's a versatile grape that produces wines with a wide range of styles, from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied. Rioja wines can be red, white, or rosé, but red wines are the most common. Rioja wines are aged for different periods of time before release, ranging from Crianza (aged for at least one year in oak and one year in the bottle), Reserva (aged for at least three years, including at least one year in oak), and Gran Reserva (aged for at least five years, including at least two years in oak). The different aging requirements give Rioja wines a range of flavor profiles and aging potential. 3. Understanding Rioja Appellations Rioja is divided into three main sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (also known as Rioja Baja). Each sub-region has its own unique terroir, with Rioja Alta producing wines with higher acidity and freshness, Rioja Alavesa producing wines with more structure and tannins, and Rioja Oriental producing wines with more fruit-forward flavors. Rioja wines are also classified according to their aging requirements, as mentioned above. 4. How to Pair Rioja Wines with Food Rioja wines are incredibly food-friendly and pair well with a variety of dishes. For red wines, try pairing them with roasted meats, stews, and hearty pasta dishes. For white wines, try pairing them with seafood, white meats, and salads. And don't forget to try the local specialties like pinchos (tapas), chorizo, lamb, and Manchego cheese. 5. Where to Buy Rioja Wines Rioja wines can be found at wine shops and specialty stores around the world, but to get the best selection and prices, it's worth seeking out a reputable importer or online retailer. Some of the top importers of Rioja wines include Jorge Ordoñez Selections, Europvin, and Ole Imports. In conclusion, Rioja wines offer a unique taste of Spain and are a great option for both beginner and experienced wine enthusiasts. With a little bit of knowledge and experimentation, you can start to explore the diverse range of Rioja wines and discover your favorites. So pour yourself a glass of Rioja and start exploring!

Bourgogne, also known as Burgundy, is one of France's most famous wine regions. Located in the eastern part of the country, Bourgogne produces some of the world's most sought-after wines. But with so many different appellations, grape varieties, and winemaking styles to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. In this beginner's guide to Bourgogne wines, we'll take a look at some of the key things you need to know to start exploring this incredible wine region. 1. The Basics of Bourgogne Wines Bourgogne is famous for producing both red and white wines, with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir being the most common grape varieties. The region is divided into five main sub-regions, each with its own unique terroir and winemaking traditions. These sub-regions are Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais. 2. Understanding Bourgogne Appellations One of the things that can make Bourgogne wines confusing for beginners is the complex system of appellations. Appellations are like quality designations that indicate where the grapes were grown and how the wine was made. Bourgogne has more than 100 different appellations, ranging from regional appellations like Bourgogne and Bourgogne Aligoté to prestigious Grand Crus like Chablis Grand Cru and Corton-Charlemagne. 3. How to Choose a Bourgogne Wine With so many different appellations and grape varieties to choose from, it can be tough to know which Bourgogne wine to try first. As a general rule, if you're looking for white wine, try a Chardonnay from one of the sub-regions of Côte de Beaune or Chablis. Look for a Pinot Noir from Côte de Nuits or Côte de Beaune for red wines. But don't be afraid to try something new - there are plenty of hidden gems to discover in Bourgogne. 4. Food Pairing with Bourgogne Wines Bourgogne wines are incredibly food-friendly and pair well with a wide range of dishes. For white wines, try pairing them with seafood, chicken, or pasta dishes. For red wines, try pairing them with red meat, duck, or mushroom dishes. And don't forget to try the local specialties like escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails) and boeuf bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine). 5. Where to Buy Bourgogne Wines Bourgogne wines can be found at wine shops and specialty stores around the world, but to get the best selection and prices, it's worth seeking out a reputable importer or online retailer. As you know we're offering wonderful customized wine boxes that can meet any budget you may have to start exploring the wonderful world of wine. See the button below 🍷🥂 In conclusion, Bourgogne wines are some of the most complex and interesting wines in the world. With a little bit of knowledge and experimentation, you can start to discover the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of this incredible wine region. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of Bourgogne wine, and start exploring!