Top 10 Best Spanish Rioja Red Wines for under $80
Be swooned by the mellow charms of the Best Spanish Rioja Red Wines. Spanish Rioja red wines are usually between the more austere French and Italian wines and the more accessible flavours of Australian ones. These Spanish wines are usually from the regions of Rioja Alta, Rioja Oriental, and Rioaj Alavesa. Enjoy the concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, spice, and firm tannins with the more mature variety of Spanish Rioja Red Wines.
Table of Contents
- No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- 1. Luis Cañas Reserva Selección de la Familia 2016
- 2. La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2009
- 3. La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2012
- 4. R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Viña Tondonia Reserva 2008
- 5. La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva 2015
- 6. Marqués de Murrieta Reserva Rioja (Finca Ygay) 2016
- 7. Imperial Rioja Reserva 2016
- 8. Marqués de Riscal Reserva XR 2015
- 9. Marqués de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva 2014
- 10. Torre de Oña Martelo Reserva 2014
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No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- Affordable Elegance: Explore premium Spanish Rioja red wines under $80 for sophisticated indulgence.
- Diverse Flavors: From bold fruitiness to subtle oak, savor unique and varied tasting profiles.
- Sustainable Choices: Discover eco-conscious options, reflecting a commitment to sustainable winemaking practices.
- Age-Worthy Picks: Some wines offer aging potential for a delightful evolution over time.
- Limited Editions: Uncover exclusive and limited-edition Riojas for a distinctive and memorable experience.
- Expert Ratings: Access insights into overall ratings and reviews from fellow wine enthusiasts.
1. Luis Cañas Reserva Selección de la Familia 2016
About Wine & Winery:
Bodegas Luis Cañas, a family winery rooted in Rioja Alavesa since 1928, truly blossomed in 1970 when Luis Cañas ventured into the vibrant world of marketing young wines. From modest beginnings, their fervent commitment to quality propelled them to the forefront of Rioja Alavesa’s wine scene.
In 1994, the visionary Juan Luis, son of the founder, unveiled a state-of-the-art winery, infusing it with cutting-edge winemaking systems. The outcome is a wine of unparalleled excellence that has not only captured a significant market share but has also fostered a devoted clientele.
This modern facility has become the cradle of accolades, triumphing in esteemed national and international tastings and competitions. A testament to their unwavering dedication, Luis Cañas wines stand as a beacon of undisputed quality, leaving an indelible mark on the discerning palates of connoisseurs. Today, the winery stands as a testament to a rich legacy, blending tradition with innovation, resulting in wines that are a harmonious reflection of time-honored expertise and contemporary mastery.
- Denomination of origin
- D.O. Rioja
- Vineyard Age
- 40 years on average
- Taste
- Dry
- Alcohol % ABV
- 14.50%
- Optimal serving temperature in °C
- 16ºC
- Allergens
- Contains sulphites
- Food Pairing
- Red Meat, White Meat, Cheese
Country: Spain
Pricing: $38
Website: Vivino
2. La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2009
About Wine & Winery:
Nestled in the heart of Haro, La Rioja Alta, S.A. epitomizes Spanish winemaking heritage, tracing its roots to 1890 when visionaries like Daniel-Alfredo Ardanza y Sanchez and others united to form a vinous legacy. In 1904, Alfredo Ardanza’s merger with his winery marked a pivotal chapter in the winery’s evolution.
At the forefront of their offerings is Viña Ardanza, an exquisite blend of tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, a testament to the artistry behind their creations. Additionally, the lighter Viña Arana, crafted with graciano and mazuelo, captures the essence of La Rioja Alta’s dedication to diversity.
The vineyard spans 425 hectares, a sprawling canvas where the alchemy of soil and grapes unfolds. La Rioja Alta’s commitment to meticulous viticulture and winemaking is a timeless ode to craftsmanship. As custodians of tradition, they continue to shape the narrative of Spanish wine, each bottle a harmonious symphony of history, terroir, and innovation. Explore the allure of their craftsmanship, where every sip unveils a rich tapestry woven with passion and expertise.
- Denomination of origin
- La Rioja Alta
- Vineyard Age
- 30 years on average
- Taste
- Medium-intensity, dark cherry-red; clean, and bright.
- Alcohol % ABV
- Optimal serving temperature in °C
- 15°C
- Allergens
- Contains sulfites
- Food Pairing
- Red Meat, roast lamb, game, seasoned fish stews, tuna and swordfish, smoked and ripened cheese.
Country: Spain
Pricing: $80 – $97
Website: Vivino
3. La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2012
About Wine & Winery:
Nestled in Spain, Rioja reigns as a premier wine region, proudly holding the coveted Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) status. Championing Tempranillo and Garnacha, its red wines are lauded, embodying a remarkable balance of quality and value. Beyond Rioja’s borders, Spanish wines offer an enticing world where exceptional vino doesn’t strain the wallet.
Rioja’s reds span four categories, from the youthful “Joven” to the venerable “Gran Reserva.” Each tier unveils a spectrum of flavors, from the vibrant freshness of youth to the nuanced, earthy richness of maturity. The aging process, including oak barrel nuances, adds depth to these wines, making them versatile companions to diverse cuisines.
With medium body and lively acidity, Rioja’s reds dance on the palate, marrying well with an array of dishes. Younger vintages exude fruity vivacity, inviting immediate enjoyment, while aged counterparts boast developed profiles, perfect for those who relish the rewards of patience. Rioja wines, with their approachable prices, promise guilt-free indulgence, a passport to savoring the essence of Spanish winemaking without compromise.
- Denomination of origin
- La Rioja Alta
- Vineyard Age
- 30 years on average
- Taste
- Traditional and beautiful in character with plum, balsamic, orange-peel and leather aromas and flavors.
- Alcohol % ABV
- Optimal serving temperature in °C
- 14 – 18°C
- Allergens
- Contains sulfites
- Food Pairing
- Roast lamb, red meats, spicy fish and matured cheeses.
Country: Spain
Pricing: $80 – $97
Website: Vivino
4. R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Viña Tondonia Reserva 2008
About Wine & Winery:
The 2008 vintage from R. López de Heredia unveils an elegant nose, a dance of fresh red cherries, and alluring sweet spices. Delve deeper, and the bouquet unfolds with exotic notes of potpourri, raspberry tea, and red liquorice, a sensory journey worth savoring for hours. As you approach the palate, the wine’s immense future becomes palpable, guided by López de Heredia’s trademark acidity, a revelation complemented by mature flavors and invigorating freshness.
The finale is a testament to concentration, a timeless, mouth-coating, and intense finish that lingers, leaving an indelible impression. Founded in 1877, R. López de Heredia preserves its rich history, embracing ancestral techniques and values. The sprawling winery, with 72 oak vats, some centenarian, and 12,900 oak barrels, reflects a commitment to tradition.
Winemaker Maria José, shaped by childhood hide-and-seek in the extensive cellars, continues the legacy, ensuring each sip echoes the winery’s storied past and promises an exquisite future. Explore this exceptional vintage, a harmonious blend of heritage, complexity, and enduring allure.
- Denomination of origin
- Lopez de Heredia
- Taste
- Rich, very dry, smooth, developed
- Alcohol % ABV
- Optimal serving temperature in °C
- 14°C
- Allergens
- Contains sulfites
- Food Pairing
- Beef, Lamb, Veal.
Country: Spain
Pricing: $80 – $95
Website: Vivino
5. La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva 2015
About Wine & Winery:
La Rioja Alta, a venerable name in Rioja tradition, presents the Viña Alberdi Reserva 2015, acclaimed with an impressive 93/100 points by James Suckling and endorsed by over 4,600 Vivino community ratings. A testament to this 125-year-old winery’s enduring legacy, it stands as one of the most affordable yet highly rated Riojas globally.
Firmly rooted in tradition, La Rioja Alta defines the classic oak-aged style of Rioja, exclusively using American oak and crafting its own barrels. The winery, founded in 1890 by five families, retains familial ties with Guillermo de Aranzabal, the fifth-generation family member serving as the current president.
Renowned for its Gran Reserva wines, including the celebrated 890 and 904, La Rioja Alta distinguishes itself by patiently aging wines in barrel and bottle, releasing them only when perfected for consumption. Embrace the essence of Rioja with a bottle that marries tradition, excellence, and affordability, a testament to a winemaking heritage cherished by enthusiasts worldwide.
- Denomination of origin
- La Rioja
- Taste
- good acidity, great freshness and balance, and mild, friendly tannins
- Alcohol % ABV
- Optimal serving temperature in °C
- 18°C
- Allergens
- Contains sulfites
- Food Pairing
- rice, pasta, and stews, and great with lightly-grilled meat and fish.
Country: Spain
Pricing: $75
Website: Vivino
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6. Marqués de Murrieta Reserva Rioja (Finca Ygay) 2016
About Wine & Winery:
The Marqués de Murrieta Reserva is a tangible testament to the elegance, balance, and constancy cultivated in the Ygay Estate’s vineyards. A red reserva wine, it gracefully matures for two years in new and partly new American oak barrels, followed by an additional year and a half in the bottle.
This meticulous aging process yields a wine that embodies both complexity and finesse, harmonizing the timeless attributes of tradition with the contemporary spirit of the estate.
Marqués de Murrieta transcends being merely a brand; it is a vessel of age-old wisdom, epitomizing the essence of one of Spain’s most revered wines. Beyond international recognition, it stands as a symbol of a rich winemaking legacy, where every sip encapsulates the enduring narrative of identity and excellence. Indulge in the sophistication of Marqués de Murrieta Reserva—a journey through Spain’s winemaking prowess and a celebration of a heritage that transcends time.
- Denomination of origin
- La Rioja
- Taste
- good acidity, great freshness and balance, and mild, friendly tannins
- Alcohol % ABV
- Optimal serving temperature in °C
- 18°C
- Allergens
- Contains sulfites
- Food Pairing
- rice, pasta, and stews, and great with lightly-grilled meat and fish.
Country: Spain
Pricing: $58
Website: Vivino
7. Imperial Rioja Reserva 2016
About Wine & Winery:
Immerse yourself in the deep cherry-red allure of ES Imperial Rioja Reserva. The nose unfolds as an intricate tapestry, intertwining the fruity symphony of diverse varieties with the nuanced aromas drawn from the embrace of French and American oak barrels.
A sensory journey, the palate welcomes with a well-rounded character, where supple, silky tannins weave seamlessly, creating a texture that is as pleasing as it is elegant. The crescendo of this experience unfolds in a long, captivating finish, leaving an indelible mark on the senses.
This Reserva is not merely a wine; it’s a masterpiece, a harmonious blend that transcends color and aroma, embracing the palate with a symphony of flavors. Each sip is a celebration of craftsmanship, where the artistry of winemaking converges with the richness of terroir. With every drop, ES Imperial Rioja Reserva invites you to savor the culmination of meticulous care, time-honored tradition, and the artful dance of flavors that linger in a symphony of satisfaction.
- Denomination of origin
- Rioja
- Taste
- Black olive and forest floor notes frame tangy black cherry and currant flavors in this polished red.
Country: Spain
Pricing: $63
Website: Vivino
8. Marqués de Riscal Reserva XR 2015
About Wine & Winery:
Marqués de Riscal, a beacon of innovation since 1858, stands as a pioneer in Rioja winemaking. Trailblazing Bordeaux methods in 1858, it birthed the Rueda appellation in 1972 for its famed white wines and introduced the groundbreaking Barón de Chirel in 1991—a pinnacle of “high expression” wines.
In 2006, the iconic “City of Wine” emerged, a Frank O. Gehry masterpiece, marking the zenith of avant-garde design in Spanish cellars. With a global presence in over 110 countries, Marqués de Riscal’s wines are adorned with international acclaim, embodying excellence and earning prestigious awards. Notably, it secured the title of the second-best vineyard globally and the foremost in Europe in the World’s Best Vineyards 2021, a testament to its unmatched wine tourism experience.
Marqués de Riscal is not just a winery; it’s a legacy of boundary-pushing, where tradition meets architectural brilliance and exceptional wines traverse the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the palate and the world of oenophiles.
- Denomination of origin
- La Rioja
- Taste
- Smoked, spicy aromas with black liquorice, ripe fruits and balsamic notes with good intensity.
Country: Spain
Pricing: $51
Website: Vivino
9. Marqués de Riscal Rioja Gran Reserva 2014
About Wine & Winery:
Marqués de Riscal, a Rioja icon since 1858, is a name synonymous with top-quality Spanish wines, and the 2014 Gran Reserva stands as a testament to their enduring excellence. With over 17,000 ratings across vintages, it’s hailed as “One of The Most Rated Wines From Rioja.”
Crafted from vines planted before 1970, this Gran Reserva, aged for at least five years (including two in oak), embodies the essence of a good vintage. It has earned a stellar reputation with 94 points from James Suckling and an impressive 95 points from Guiu Penin, a wine built to stand the test of time.
In a beautiful black-cherry hue with violet hues, the wine captivates with dark fruit and balsamic notes, while the palate revels in full-bodied richness, featuring vanilla, red cherry, herbs, and blackcurrant. Silky tannins make it a perfect companion for cured meats, Spanish cheese, ham, and steak.
- Denomination of origin
- Rioja
- Taste
- smooth and full with good concentrated tannins and long finish.
Country: Spain
Pricing: $63
Website: Vivino
10. Torre de Oña Martelo Reserva 2014
About Wine & Winery:
Torre de Oña Martelo Reserva offers a modern twist on Rioja, hailing from the Alavesa subzone known for a rounder, richer style thanks to its chalky soils. This 2014 vintage reveals a sensory symphony with dried rose petal and balsamic scents, vibrant raspberry fruit, and a refreshing acidity. On the palate, indulge in a chocolate-coated cherry character, tinged with vanilla, and superbly structured with ripe, fine-grained tannins that culminate in a tar-like grip on the enduring finish.
Crafted from their oldest vines, primarily Tempranillo, Martelo undergoes meticulous production, including a cold soak post-fermentation and two years in a blend of 80% American and 20% French oak barrels. Aged sophistication emerges with surprising notes of beef blood, iron, and meat, a nod to the vineyard’s fruit abundance.
Bottled in a Burgundy bottle, Martelo is a masterclass in elegance, aromatics, and finesse, showcasing Torre de Oña’s commitment to a modern, impressive Rioja that seamlessly balances freshness, balance, and finesse. A journey through this bottle is an immersion in the artistry of contemporary Rioja winemaking.
- Denomination of origin
- La Rioja
- Taste
- a mix of ripe fruit and savory flavors, with cherry, roasted plum, tobacco, loamy earth and spicy character.
Country: Spain
Pricing: $91
Website: Vivino
Conclusion
In conclusion, this selection of the top 10 Spanish Rioja red wines under $80 presents a journey through the rich and diverse world of Rioja, offering both connoisseurs and enthusiasts an affordable taste of the region’s exceptional winemaking. From bold and robust to elegantly nuanced, these wines demonstrate that exceptional quality doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag. Elevate your wine experience with these budget-friendly Riojas, proving that indulging in premium Spanish wines can be both accessible and delightful. Cheers to discovering the perfect balance of flavor, craftsmanship, and affordability in every bottle!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Q: Are there any limited editions or special releases among the top 10 Rioja red wines featured?
A: Yes, our selection includes some limited editions and special releases, offering the opportunity to savor unique and exclusive Rioja wines in this affordable price range.
2. Q: Are these Rioja wines suitable for aging, or should they be enjoyed immediately?
A: While many are delightful now, some wines in our selection are suitable for aging, offering an evolving flavor profile over time.
3. Q: How do I best store these Rioja wines to preserve their quality?
A: Proper storage is key. Store these wines in a cool, dark place, away from temperature fluctuations, to ensure their optimal taste and longevity.
4. Q: Are there any unique or indigenous grape varieties represented in these Rioja wines?
A: Yes, some selections feature indigenous Spanish grape varieties, adding a layer of authenticity and regional character to the Rioja red wine experience.
5. Q: Can I find information on the winemakers or the winemaking process for these Riojas?
A: Certainly! Our list provides insights into the winemakers and their processes, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
6. Q: How do I choose the right Rioja red wine for my personal taste preferences?
A: Consider your taste preferences – from bold and fruity to subtle and oaky. Our selection caters to various palates, ensuring there’s a perfect Rioja for everyone.
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