Rioja Alavesa is one of three subzones – along with Rioja Alta and Rioja Oriental – of the wine region of Rioja in nor… thern Spain. It is also the smallest of the three subzones, and known for producing some high-quality Rioja wines from the Tempranillo grape. Rioja Alavesa sits between the Ebro River to its south and the Cantabrian mountains, the combination of which, along with characteristic cool and wet conditions, provides an ideal climate for viticulture. Vineyards sit at elevations abo