Riojan Gastronomy

Following our introduction to the customs and traditions of Rioja we would like to take you on a tour of Riojan gastronomy.

La Rioja is specifically known for its production of wines under the Rioja Denomination of Origin, elaborating some of the most famous wines, and also for the wine tourism. However it also boasts magnificent local cuisine.

The traditional cuisine of La Rioja is generally made up of hearty dishes, based on the products grown around the river Ebro, in addition to Iberian meat products.

The best known dishes are patatas a la riojana and pork chops with sarmiento (vine shoots). This dish can be prepared both in and outdoors, where the pork is roasted on a grill over the vine shoots. This dish is very important during the harvest celebrations as for the last 70 years local young people have competed to see who can eat more pork chops with sarmiento. Our recommendation is to pair these dishes with a Mazuelo Reserva.

Worthy of mention are leek salad, stuffed peppers, Anguiano caparrones (a local type of bean), pochas (another type of bean) with quail, Riojan cod, sausages, and Riojan style trout.

The region also has great cheese especially Camerano cheese. This cheese from the Sierra de los Cameros is made with goat's milk and is a protected Denomination of Origin. We recommend that you pair it with Beronia Crianza.

Above all the Rioja region is famous for its vegetables grown on the shores of the river Ebro. Specifically artichoke, beans, asparagus, peppers and mushrooms. These are the basis of many traditional Riojan recipes such as the menestra, which can be enjoyed mainly in the Rioja Baja, and more specifically in Calahorra where they even celebrate each year a day dedicated to the vegetable. This takes place in April and a large market of vegetables is organised and the bars and restaurants of the city offer pintxos and typical dishes made with these products. Beronia Graciano, with its spicy touches of pepper match perfect with salads and vegetable based dishes.

For dessert, the most common offer in Rioja would be pear with red wine. Typical sweets would be marzapan from Cameros or the Fardelejos de Arnedo, a very fine puff pastry with a filling similar to marzipan however much lighter.

If your mouth is watering... we will be waiting for you in Rioja, we`ll bring the wine!