La Rioja is divided into three regions. La Rioja alta and Rioja alavesa cover the western half of the appellation and are dominated by an Atlantic influence with cooler temperatures. La Rioja baja corresponds to the eastern area and is dominated by a Mediterranean climate (dry and high temperatures).

Aging potential: 5 to 20 years for reds.

Wine style: notes of blood, blackberry jam, and hints of powdered cocoa.

Classification of wines from the appellation:

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• Rioja, without any other mention, spends a few months in oak barrels.
  
• Rioja Crianza ages for at least 2 years, including at least 1 year in oak barrels.
  
• Rioja Reserva ages for at least 3 years, including 1 year in oak barrels.
  
• Rioja Gran Reserva ages for at least 2 years in oak barrels and at least 3 years in the bottle.