Rioja

This ain't my first Rioja

About the Design: The Rioja is a wine region located in Northeast Spain. Over 85% of the wine made in this region is tinto (red) & predominately made with the Tempranillo grape. These wines have bold tannins & rich flavors of black cherry, berries, spice & tobacco. Rioja Blanco (White Rioja) must be made with at least 51% Viura (aka Macabeo), a grape with primary flavors of melon, citrus & tarragon but is known to take on a pleasant nuttiness with age.

Rioja aging classification is broken into 4 levels: Joven (aka Generic table wine), Crianza, Reserve & Gran Reserve (plus Gran Anada for sparkling wine). In order for a wine to be labeled Gran Reserva, Reds must be aged for a minimum of 5 years, at least 2 of which MUST be in barrels & at least 2 of which MUST be in the bottle. White & Roses must be aged for a minimum of 5 years, at least 6 months of which MUST be in barrels.

Although wine has been made in this region for centuries, modern Rioja was officially recognized by the oldest Designation of Origin in Spain in 1925. In 1991, the region was the first in Spain to be awarded the Calificada category. Wines labeled D.O.C.a (Denominación de Origen Calificada) undergo a strict screening process by the control board to ensure only wines of the highest quality are allowed to be labeled as such.

Iberian ham is one of the tastiest (& most expensive) meats in the world. It has an incredible intensity of flavor with well-marbled fat that melts in your mouth. Iberian pigs native to the region are black with slender legs & a long, narrow snout. 

The Grape Republic Co. t-shirts are made for wine geeks, by a wine geek. Each design features fun (& funny) wine industry inside sayings, jokes and terminology that appeal to casual drinkers and wine connoisseurs alike!

Product details: This premium fitted short sleeve is a classic choice that is both comfy and light. The high quality print adds a statement to one’s workout or everyday routine. .: 100% combed, ring-spun cotton (fiber content may vary for different colors) .: Light fabric (4.3 oz/yd² (146 g/m²)) .: Premium fit .: Tear-away label .: Runs bigger than usual