The highly regarded wine area of Spain, Rioja, makes some of the best tempranillo-based wines in the world. Once the only DOC (recently joined by Priorat in 2001), Rioja has the 3 sub-regions: Rioja Baja, Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa. Although most producers blend their wines from all three regions, the Alta-based reds tend to be firmer and leaner in style. The red grapes used are tempranillo, garnacha tinta, graciano and mazuelo, of which tempranillo is the best.

Rioja red wines are classified into four categories. The first, simply labeled Rioja is the youngest, spending less than a year in an oak aging barrel. Crianza wines must be at least two years old (at least one year in barrel). Reserva wines must be at least three years old (at least one year in barrel) an Gran Reservas must be at least five years old (at least two years in barrel).