For more than 100 years, Rioja has been considered Spain’s preeminent wine region. Known mostly for distinctive age-worthy red wines made from Tempranillo. The best Rioja wines are known for their delicacy, supple, earthy and refined characteristics. The sub-regions that make up a majority of Rioja are; Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental.  A signature for Rioja wines is oak aging for the reds, while the law dictates the minimum length of time a Rioja must be aged, in practice many are aged for longer. Crianzas and Reserva styles are aged for minimum one year in oak and Gran Reserva at least two years in oak. Rioja’s major white grape is Viura, a grape with good acidity and viscous texture. Garnacha Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana Blanca, Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc may also we found in white Rioja wines.