Rioja Super Saturday

We're loving the wines of Rioja right now. Like much of Spain, the region has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past two decades, one that has seen quality rise dramatically and diversity flourish. While Rioja has always possessed great vineyards and a proud history, a new generation of growers and winemakers has emerged, often taking over established family estates or reclaiming old vineyards with fresh eyes. They have embraced forgotten local knowledge and abandoned traditions, applying them to a modern wine landscape with brilliant results.

Part of this renaissance has been a movement among many conscientious producers to challenge the long-held notion that time in barrel alone defines greatness. Instead, inspired by a more Burgundian philosophy, they have turned their attention to place. Old vineyards, forgotten villages, and distinctive terroir have become the focus, with producers seeking to capture the nuances of site rather than simply lashing oak to Rioja’s sweet frame. The result has been a rediscovery of the region's remarkable diversity and a growing appreciation for wines that speak of where they are from as much as how they are aged.

Even among those producers who remain committed to more classical styles, the wines themselves have evolved, where today's finest “traditional” Riojas deliver their complexity with greater elegance and restraint. Freshness, energy, and vibrant fruit now sit alongside the savoury, mature notes that have long defined those wines historically, resulting in styles that are both unmistakably Rioja yet with a more contemporary feel.

Supporting all of this has been a more progressive approach from the Consejo Regulador, which in recent years has embraced a broader vision for the region. New classifications recognising village wines, single vineyards, and subregional identities have helped uncover a rich but unfortunately overlooked history of terroir-driven Rioja. Combined with changing attitudes among producers and consumers alike, it has made Rioja one of the most dynamic and exciting wine regions in Spain.

With an outstanding line-up of both red and white wines, sourced from some of Australia's leading importers, this tasting offers the chance to explore a region whose future has never looked brighter.