LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2023

ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE ROMANCE OF RIOJA

Nestled into the Iberian mountain range of northern Spain, La Rioja is famous for wines that follow tradition but also honour innovation. Rioja's long history dates back to the Roman era, but it was in the late 1800s that the wines gained attention, when enterprising producers traveled to Bordeaux and returned with new techniques, such as the use of oak aging barrels to improve the longevity of Rioja wines. Today, approximately 31% of wine exported from Spain is Rioja, with its signature avour being enjoyed by people in 125 di erent countries. From the Romans to restaurants and homes in every continent—now that’s progress! Rioja wine has stringent rules about its production and classi cation, so each time you open a bottle, you can be assured of a big, boldly structured wine with high tannins and a fruit-forward pro le. Try it with everything from ne dining to fast food, and you’ll savour every sip. Known for producing Spain’s most coveted wine, the Rioja region is rich in both history and innovation. Pour a glass, settle in, and say “Cheers” to the passion and expertise in every bottle.

RIOJA BY THE NUMBERS

2,000 years since wine-making began in Rioja

600 wineries call the region home

4 hours by train from Barcelona

85 % of the wine produced is red

225-litre oak barrels are used to age the wine