Rioja grape varieties you should know

Behind such a legendary name as Rioja there is a huge diversity of grapes, styles and landscapes. Although the region is often associated with a single grape variety, Tempranillo, Rioja is actually home to 14 grape varieties, red and white, which make up one of the richest and most versatile ranges of Spanish wine. Each one contributes different nuances: structure, freshness, aromas or ageing capacity. And, depending on how they are blended or elaborated separately, the result can range from light and fruity wines to long-aged reds or whites with surprising depth.

Today, 91% of the Rioja vineyards are planted with red varieties and 9% with white. Among the reds, Tempranillo dominates with 87.7%, followed by Garnacha (7.3%), Graciano (2.5%), Mazuelo (1.8%) and Maturana Tinta (0.5%). In whites, Viura reigns supreme with 66%, follow by Tempranillo Blanco (12.9%), Garnacha Blanca (4.3%), Malvasía (2.2%), Maturana Blanca (1.3%) and small proportions of Turruntés, as well as more international varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo.

Blending vs. monovarietal wines 

Wines of the Rioja appellation can express themselves in multiple ways. Blending has historically been one of its hallmarks: combining varieties, areas and styles to achieve balance and complexity. But it is not the only way. Today, traditional blends coexist with monovarietal wines of enormous quality, some of them recognised as among the best in the world.

With the 14 authorised red and white varieties, producers can explore a very wide range of profiles, from blends that have defined Rioja's historical identity to more contemporary single varietals that delve into the character of each grape and each landscape.

Why and how the varieties define the character of each Rioja wine

Each variety contributes a piece to the puzzle: the fruit and roundness of Tempranillo, the solar energy of Garnacha, the vibrant acidity of Graciano or the structure of Mazuelo. In the whites, Viura, Garnacha Blanca or Tempranillo Blanco show a new horizon of fresh and elegant styles

Tempranillo is still the mainstay of Rioja's identity, but white varieties are gaining prominence year after year, broadening the aromatic palette and the gastronomic potential of Rioja.

Main red grapes of Rioja

Tempranillo: the soul of Rioja

With 79.6% of total plantings, Tempranillo is Rioja's most representative variety and one of the historical pillars of its identity. Its name comes from its early ripening, a characteristic that makes it a particularly valuable grape in regions with cool autumns.

In Rioja, the variety finds its ideal environment. The moderate climate and Atlantic influence help preserve its natural acidity, while the clay-limestone soils of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa provide finesse, structure and a balanced aromatic profile. In Rioja Oriental, with a more Mediterranean climate, Tempranillo shows a faster ripening and a warmer, ripe fruit character, maintaining freshness when grown at altitude or in areas where the Cierzo wind provides moderation.

In other warmer regions of Spain, the variety can reach over-ripeness more easily, losing acidity and balance. This climatic difference explains why its most harmonious and complete expression is usually found in Rioja.

It is also a particularly versatile variety. It can produce young, fresh and very fruity wines, including wines made by carbonic maceration. It also responds excellently to barrel ageing, integrating the wood aromas and developing complexity over time. It works equally well in single-varietal and traditional blends, where it provides structure, balance and ageing capacity.

The result is a grape variety capable of offering everything from accessible and expressive reds to some of the most elegant aged wines in the world.

Garnacha: freshness, fruit and Mediterranean expression

A historic variety and the second most planted red grape in Rioja, Garnacha has its core in Rioja Oriental. Although Tempranillo is still the predominant variety in this area, this is where around 70% of the Garnacha vineyards in the entire appellation are concentrated, and around 5% of the total Garnacha surface area in Spain, driven by a more Mediterranean climate.

Garnacha offers wines with a juicy profile, with aromas of raspberry, strawberry and floral notes, and a pleasantly warm and round mouthfeel. Traditionally used in blends to add body and fruity character (especially red fruit notes), today single varietal Garnacha is very popular thanks to its fluidity and more modern, less oxidative winemaking techniques. Its resistance to heat and drought makes it a key ally to combat climate change. It also plays a leading role in many of Rioja's most expressive rosés, thanks to its fruity profile and balanced acidity, which brings freshness and liveliness to the wines.

Graciano: structure and acidity for long-lasting wines

A minority but essential variety, Graciano provides nerve, colour and ageing capacity. Its high acidity and intense aromas of black fruits, violets, a touch of spice and a vegetal edge make it an ideal variety for blending with Tempranillo and prolonging the life of Reservas and Gran Reservas. Some producers make Graciano single varietal wines: vibrant and with their own personality.

Mazuelo (Carignan): colour, nerve and depth

As a historic and late-ripening variety, Mazuelo (also known as Carignan), provides intensity of colour, firm tannins and balsamic notes. Although its presence does not reach 2% of the vineyard, it is still key in traditional blends. Its wines are structured and with an acidity that supports the ageing process very well.

Maturana Tinta: indigenous rarity with an intense personality

One of the oldest varieties documented in Rioja, recently rediscovered. It descends from the Cabernet family, which explains its elegant vegetal note, attributed to pyrazine-type compounds. It produces deep wines, with notes of blackberry and spices, and that subtle herbaceous character that brings complexity and freshness. It perfectly represents the current search for authenticity and diversity within the appellation.

White grapes from Rioja

Viura (Macabeo): balance and elegance

It is the most widespread white variety in Rioja, with 66% of the white vineyard plantings. In young wines it offers freshness and aromas of green apple and white flowers, while in aged wines wines it develops complexity, notes of honey, dried fruits and an enveloping mouthfeel. Its relatively neutral character makes it a blank canvas, capable of faithfully reflecting the terroir and winemaking style, and allows for great textural complexity, especially in wines from old vines. Its versatility makes it the base for both still whites and Rioja sparkling wines.

Garnacha Blanca: volume and aromatic character

A white mutation of the red Garnacha, it shares a similar profile: it provides body, structure and an aromatic intensity reminiscent of Mediterranean herbs and ripe fruit. It gives rise to whites with more volume and an unctuous sensation, perfect to accompany meals.

Tempranillo Blanco: innovation and modernity

Discovered in 1988 as a natural mutation of the red Tempranillo, it is a unique Rioja variety that has managed to establish itself as the second white variety in the appellation, with 12.9% of the white vineyard plantings. Its wines are intensely aromatic, with notes of tropical fruit (banana, pineapple), citrus and white flowers. It represents the most contemporary side of the region: tradition evolving towards new styles.

Malvasía, Maturana Blanca and Turruntés: the most singular character of Rioja

Malvasía Riojana, also known as Alarije and unrelated to other Malvasías in the world, represents around 2.25% of Rioja's white vineyards and has historically been linked to its white wines. Its primary aromas are of low intensity, but it stands out especially for the great depth and intensity of secondary and tertiary aromas that it develops during ageing in oak barrels, giving the wine an unctuous texture and quite a lot of body, as well as volume and smoothness in the mouth.

Maturana Blanca, which represents about 1.3% of the white vineyards in Rioja, is a natural cross between Castellana Blanca (Albillo Mayor) and Savagnin (Traminer). It is characterised by its high acidity and citric and herbaceous aromas, giving rise to tense and very gastronomic wines with a more Atlantic profile.

Turruntés, which is in a much smaller minority (0.1%), is an autochthonous variety unrelated to Galician or Argentinean Torrontés; its closest genetic kinship is with Albillo Mayor. It produces wines of straw yellow colour with greenish reflections, marked acidity, a slight bitterness and a medium-short persistence.

Other authorised white varieties

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo provide stylistic diversity and more international interpretations. Approved in 2008, their presence is still limited, and they are particularly valuable as a complement in blends with native varieties with a more neutral profile, providing aroma and expressive nuances, and allowing to make fresh, fruity whites and more barrel-fermented styles.

How varieties influence the style of Rioja wine

The secret of Rioja lies in the balance between its varieties. Traditionally, wines are made by blending: Tempranillo provides structure, Garnacha softness, Graciano freshness and Mazuelo depth. This classic balance has defined the Rioja style for more than a century, and over 100 years ago it was already considered the foundation of the region’s “typical profile”, as noted in 1905 by Víctor Manso de Zúñiga, director of the Haro Enological Station, when he recommended a blend dominated by Tempranillo, with contributions from Mazuelo and Graciano.

However, in the last few years, projects have arisen that claim for single-varietal wines made from the different white and red grape varieties, to show the purity of each grape and its direct relationship with the landscape.

In short, two different approaches coexist today:

• Traditional blends of several varieties
• Contemporary single-varietal wines that seek to express singularity

Differences between areas and their relationship with the varieties

The differences between zones respond to very defined landscapes, climates and soils, more information in the article The three landscapes of Rioja: Alta, Alavesa and Oriental.

Rioja Alta: elegance and balance

Tempranillo predominates, with contributions of Graciano and Mazuelo. The wines are balanced, with good acidity, fine tannins and long ageing capacity.

Rioja Alavesa: freshness and acidity

The altitude and calcareous soils favour vibrant Tempranillos, with a floral and mineral profile. The presence of Viura and old vines also stands out, bringing finesse, tension and a more austere and precise character to the wines of the area.

Rioja Oriental: aromatic ripeness and intensity

Mediterranean climate and more hours of sunshine. Garnacha reigns here, together with old Tempranillo's and Graciano's that provide structure and character. In whites, Tempranillo Blanco and Garnacha Blanca gain prominence.

Tips for choosing your Rioja according to the variety

If you prefer soft reds, look for Tempranillo or Garnacha. If you are attracted to more vibrancy or acidity, try Graciano or Mazuelo. In whites, Viura offers elegance and texture, while Tempranillo Blanco and Garnacha Blanca stand out for their aromatic intensity.

Discover more about Rioja grapes, styles and regions through the Rioja Wine Academy courses

If you are interested in learning more about the varieties of Rioja, their history and the role that each one plays in the creation of different styles of wine, we recommend the Rioja Enthusiast course. And if you want to learn more about viticulture, winemaking and the factors that influence the character of each wine, the Rioja Wine Diploma offers you a complete and exciting vision of the Rioja universe.