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Meet Rioja’s wine nobility

Europe’s aristocracy has a long association with wine production, and in the Rioja region of Spain a number of the most privileged and wealthy families are still highly regarded producers, says Tom Cannavan

The golden age for the noble families of Europe extended from the Middle Ages through to the 18th century. The aristocracy flourished, with hereditary titles such as duke, marquis or baron bestowed by the ruling monarch. Considered to be just one step removed from royalty, the title holders were endowed with various privileges, including land ownership and the collection of rents and taxes.

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