The classic ageing categories Rioja is one of the classic wine-growing regions of the world. Home to producers such as La Rioja Alta, Muga, Beronia and Campo Viejo, to name a few, Rioja’s reputation as a region that produces wines of quality is firmly established. In 2021, the production of Rioja DOCa was 350 million bottles, of which the considerable amount of 41.6% was exported. Aged wines represent 57% of Rioja’s output. The majority of the wine is red (85%). White represents 9% and is a growing category.  Consumers worldwide have become familiar with the different styles and quality levels – Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva – based on the wine’s length of maturation. Rioja has made these wines easily identifiable on the shop shelf with clear front labels and colour-coded seals. Each level of ageing has its own organoleptic characteristics.  A Crianza is a two year old wine that has spent some time in wood, 12 months minimum for reds and six months for rosés and whites. The attributes of a red Crianza are …