Rioja Report 2026: Genérico but not generic – variations on style
The so-called 'entry level' label for Rioja wines has become a brilliant landscape of excellence and experimentation, focusing on purity and self-expression.
The ‘Genérico’ category of the Rioja classification system has been the stage for Rioja’s spectacular evolution in the last couple of decades.
It’s here that, without the corset of (in some cases arguably obsolete) rules for required periods of ageing in wood and for vessel types, producers have found the space to experiment and (re)discover the essence of the region and assert their own identities and styles.
Freedom of expression
Highlights from the 'Generic' category: 2026 Report
Genérico's style variation - Full score table
More from the report
Artuke, La Condenada, Rioja, Spain 2024
From 0.8ha of old vines at 520m-630m on sandy soils in Baños de Ebro, Rioja Alavesa; 80% Tempranillo combined with co-planted Garnacha Tinta, Graciano and...
2024
ArtukeRioja
Eguíluz, Carrapeciña, Rioja, Spain 2024
Fresh, elegant and finessed, this 100% Tempranillo wine is sourced from vineyards at 600m in Abalos, in the Rioja Alta sub-region's far north, and from...
2024
EguíluzRioja
Manuel Quintano, Selección Particular, Rioja, Alavesa, Spain 2021
Super-pretty cherry and wild strawberry aromas open to an elegant palate with well-managed, ripe tannins. It is juicy, supported by fresh, direct acidity that drives...
2021
Manuel QuintanoRioja
Campillo, 57 Selección Especial, Rioja Alta, Spain 2019
Really alluring and approachable with a refreshing streak of blood orange flowing under the fleshy plum and juicy pomegranate. Expansive and savoury on the mid-palate...
2019
CampilloRioja
Domaine Canadell-Sánchez, Montegoria, Rioja, Spain 2023
This is a very complete wine with beautiful elegance, balance and finesse. Fresh herbal aromas open to a palate with real depth and spice that...
2023
Domaine Canadell-SánchezRioja
Jesús Mendoza, Our Hands, Rioja Alta, Spain 2024
The small-scale, personal project of Remírez de Ganuza winemaker Jesús Mendoza, this wine blends Tempranillo with up to 10% of other varieties, from old vines...
2024
Jesús MendozaRioja
Ramón Bilbao, Lalomba Finca Valhonta, Rioja Alta, Spain 2020
From Tempranillo bush vines planted in 2000 in the 2.8ha Finca Valhontas vineyard, which lies on the northern edge of the Rioja Alta sub-region in...
2020
Ramón BilbaoRioja
Ukan, Senderos de Ukan, Rioja, Spain 2022
Lovely purity and fluidity to the black and ripe red fruit. Beautifully crafted with an elegant tannic structure, covered in graphite and wet tobacco leaves....
2022
UkanRioja
Finca Allende, Calvario, Rioja, Spain 2015
Perfumed, floral and lifted but still intense and reflecting its vintage. Quite bold with firm tannins, this still needs time to develop. The Calvario vineyard...
2015
Finca AllendeRioja
Muga, Torre Muga, Rioja, Spain 2021
Chocolatey, sweet oak combines with intense and bold red berry flavours in this concentrated expression of the region. Tannins are ripe but still quite firm,...
2021
MugaRioja
Roda, Sela, Rioja, Spain 2024
Roda's youngest wine is from dry-farmed, 15- to 30-year-old bush vines, all Tempranillo in 2024, with the wine spontaneously fermented in oak vats before maturing...
2024
RodaRioja
Exopto, Las Mangadas, Rioja Alta, Spain 2024
Juicy and energetic throughout, supported by zesty, vibrant acid. Plum, sloe and blackberry explode at the core, sprinkled with oregano, thyme, tarragon and saffron. Moreish...
2024
ExoptoRioja
