Entertaining

Decanter Features Rioja’s Best Wine Bars

Unveiling Rioja’s Best Wine Bars: A Journey Through Tapas and Tempranillo

Decanter, the world’s leading wine media platform, recently published a fantastic guide featuring some of the region’s hidden gems, and Shop Rioja is here to bring you the highlights.

Yolanda Ortiz de Arri Izarra, the author of the piece, highlights the importance of understanding the concept of “tapas” (or “pintxos” as they are called in Rioja Alavesa) – small savory dishes meant to be enjoyed alongside a glass of wine.

Three helpful tips when you are traveling & exploring Rioja:

  • Timing is key: Locals typically enjoy pintxos between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. (pre-lunch) or 8 and 9:30 p.m. (pre-dinner). Going at 7 p.m. might leave you with a disappointing selection.
  • Quality matters: Large, overflowing displays of pinchos often indicate lower quality. A bar with excellent pintxos may not necessarily have a stellar wine list.
  • Beyond Rioja: While many bodegas offer tastings with snacks, finding dedicated wine bars with a diverse selection of terroir-driven Riojas can be challenging, especially outside of Logroño.

In Rioja, the art of “tapear” – enjoying small bites with wine – is a cherished tradition. But finding a bar that offers top-quality wines and delectable tapas can be challenging, especially outside of Logroño, the capital city. Decanter’s curated list tackles this challenge, offering a diverse selection of establishments catering to every palate and preference.

Decanter’s article explores various establishments across Rioja, from Logroño to Alfaro, highlighting their specialties and offerings.

Logroño Delights:

  • Roots: This independent bar, led by sommelier Oleg Buyalo, boasts an ever-changing selection of local and niche wines by the glass and bottle. Enjoy your choice alongside gildas (skewers with anchovies, peppers, and olives) or savor salmon gravlax, patatas bravas, or beef cheeks. Roots also offers breakfast and outdoor seating.
  • Tastavin: Wine lovers flock to Tastavin for its impressive selection of over 100 Rioja wines, available by the glass (via Coravin) or bottle. Pair your pick with endless tapas on crispy bread or indulge in raciones (cooked-to-order platters) like squid tempura or steak tartare. Be prepared for crowds – reservations are recommended.
  • Umm No Sólo Tapas: This playful venue presents a dazzling array of tapas displayed like jewels in glass cabinets. From classics like marinated olives to contemporary creations like pulled-pork brioche, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy your selections with a glass of Rioja red, white, or rosé, or a local vermouth, on the indoor tables or the popular outdoor terrace.

Venturing Beyond Logroño:

  • Sugar (Svgar), Laguardia: This establishment specializes in grilled meats but also offers a wide range of raciones and an excellent wine cellar featuring classic and young releases from Rioja and beyond. Choose from three set lunch menus featuring a bottle of young Rioja, or dine à la carte in the evening.
  • La Cofradía del Renegado, San Vicente de la Sonsierra: This new bar and restaurant is a welcome addition to the charming village. Start your day with a coffee and omelette pincho on the terrace, or return for a menú del día, raciones, or an à la carte meal. The friendly staff can guide you through their 100-bottle wine list or suggest a young wine by the glass from respected local producers.
  • Jatorrena, Labastida: Immerse yourself in the local scene at this no-frills bar frequented by winegrowers. The focus is on simple, delicious food like grilled lamb chops and potato stew with chorizo. Wines by the glass are young and easy-drinking, while the bottle list offers intriguing options from renowned producers.

Haro’s Bustling Bodegas:

Haro boasts the world’s largest concentration of century-old bodegas (wineries). These bodegas often conduct daily tastings, allowing you to sample wines with tapas at your leisure. Explore options at Bodegas Bilbaínas, CVNE, Gómez Cruzado, Muga, La Rioja Alta, and Roda (excluding R López de Heredia, which remains closed to the public). Some offer current and older vintages with Coravin, while others provide a sit-down meal with advanced reservations. Participate in special tours of three wineries featuring premium wine and tapas pairings on Thursdays and Fridays.

For the True “Rioja Experience”:

  • Los Caños, Haro: Nestled in the lively La Herradura district, Los Caños offers a more casual alternative to its Michelin-starred neighbor, Nublo. Indulge in a short but sensational selection of pintxos and raciones at the bar or on the bustling terrace. Don’t miss the potato salad or the torreznos (crispy pork belly strips). Enjoy local wines and vermouths with your meal or opt for a sit-down experience with a more extensive menu.

Exploring Beyond Bars:

While the focus is on wine bars, Decanter also suggests some excellent wine stores for those seeking retail therapy:

  • The One Wine, Laguardia: This modern store offers a curated selection of 250 terroir-driven wines from Rioja and beyond. Regular tastings and dedicated space for larger groups make it a great place to delve deeper into Rioja’s offerings.
  • Vinoteca Larría, Logroño: This well-stocked shop features over 350 selections, from current vintages of well-known bodegas.

Rioja offers a tapestry of flavors and aromas waiting to be explored. So, gather your friends, pack your bags, and embark on a journey through the heart of Spanish wine culture. Cheers to an unforgettable adventure in Rioja!