What are the key characteristics of Rioja Tempranillo wines?

Rioja, one of the most renowned wine regions of Spain, creates Tempranillo-based wines that are characterized by the terroir of the region and the winemaking traditions. Most of the Tempranillo wines of Rioja are elegant and balanced, with medium tannins and lively acidity. They typically have characteristics of red cherry, raspberry, and plum, alongside oak-derived flavors of vanilla, cedar, and baking spices. Rioja Tempranillo wines may provide different levels of complexity and aging potential, depending on the aging classification (joven, crianza, reserva, gran reserva which is why they are so much wanted by the wine lovers.