Rivarey Tempranillo

Rivarey Tempranillo is a 100% Tempranillo Crianza from Rioja Alta, Spain, bottled at 13% ABV in a 750ml format by Marqués de Cáceres. The 2018 vintage earned a Gold medal at the 2023 Sakura Awards, reinforcing this wine's consistent quality within one of Spain's most respected appellations.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Rioja Alta, Spain  |  Crianza  |  Producer: Marqués de Cáceres

Production & Heritage

Marqués de Cáceres was founded in 1970 in Cenicero, Rioja Alta, by Enrique Forner, who brought Bordeaux winemaking philosophy to the region after working closely with Émile Peynaud. Rivarey Tempranillo draws fruit from select 10- to 15-year-old vineyards across Rioja Alta, where higher elevation and a cooler continental climate favor aromatic complexity. The wine undergoes 12 months of aging in American oak barrels followed by a minimum of 12 months of bottle aging before release — a dual maturation that meets Crianza requirements and allows tannins to soften and oak integration to deepen well before the wine reaches the glass.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The bouquet opens with bright red cherry and ripe raspberry, followed by subtle plum and a thread of vanilla from American oak. A crisp, fragrant quality carries through, with gentle spice sitting beneath the fruit.

Taste: The entry is fresh and fruit-forward, presenting vivid raspberry, strawberry, and cherry flavors at the core. Mid-palate, discreet vanilla spice and a touch of cracked pepper emerge, balanced by medium body and rounded, silky tannins that keep the texture supple rather than grippy.

Finish: The finish is smooth and moderately lingering, with red berry fruit and a whisper of warm vanilla trailing off cleanly. A faint herbal or minty note may surface, adding complexity without heaviness.

How to Drink Rivarey

Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for the best aromatic expression. This Crianza is balanced enough to enjoy on its own but has enough structure to stand up to food and cocktails alike.

• Sangria: The cherry-forward fruit and moderate tannins make Rivarey an ideal base, adding genuine Rioja character without bitterness.
• Kalimotxo: Spain's classic red wine and cola combination works especially well with a fruit-driven Tempranillo at this approachable weight.
• Red Wine Spritzer: The bright berry profile holds its own when lengthened with sparkling water and a citrus twist for warm-weather drinking.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or tapas spreads
• Introducing someone to aged Rioja without the intensity of a Reserva or Gran Reserva
• Stocking a house wine that over-delivers for the price tier
• Pairing with Spanish charcuterie at casual gatherings or wine-and-cheese nights

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rivarey Tempranillo taste like? Rivarey delivers vivid red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry flavors layered with vanilla and light pepper spice from 12 months in American oak. The tannins are silky and the body is medium, making it an approachable yet structured Rioja Crianza.

How does Rivarey compare to Campo Viejo Tempranillo? Both are Rioja Crianza-level wines made from Tempranillo and aged in oak, but Rivarey is produced entirely from Rioja Alta fruit with a full 12 months of mandatory bottle aging, which tends to yield a softer, more integrated result at release. Campo Viejo sources from across Rioja and often emphasizes a slightly fruitier, less oak-driven profile.

Is Rivarey good for sipping on its own? Yes — the balanced fruit, gentle oak, and smooth tannins make it a comfortable stand-alone pour, especially when served slightly below room temperature to highlight its freshness.

Where is Rivarey made? Rivarey is produced by Marqués de Cáceres, based in Cenicero in the Rioja Alta sub-region of Rioja, Spain. The fruit is sourced from selected vineyards at higher elevations within Rioja Alta.

What foods pair well with Rivarey? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's berry fruit and spice; Manchego cheese echoes its Spanish origins; chorizo and jamón ibérico match its medium weight; roasted red peppers mirror the wine's freshness; and slow-cooked bean stews align with its smooth, rounded tannins.

What sizes does Rivarey come in? The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size for this expression.

Is Rivarey worth the price? Rivarey positions as an entry-level Crianza from a well-established Rioja producer, delivering oak-aged complexity — including 12 months each in barrel and bottle — at a price point that competes aggressively within the everyday Rioja category. Its Gold medal at the 2023 Sakura Awards suggests quality above its weight class.

Why Rivarey?

What separates Rivarey from the crowded field of entry-level Rioja is the discipline behind its production: a full year in American oak followed by another full year in bottle, all under the oversight of Marqués de Cáceres — a house founded on Bordeaux-influenced precision applied to Spanish fruit. The 2018 vintage's Gold at the 2023 Sakura Awards is not an outlier but a reflection of consistent winemaking from dedicated Rioja Alta vineyards. For drinkers looking to explore Tempranillo with genuine oak integration and varietal clarity, Rivarey delivers a Crianza that punches well within its tier without relying on over-extraction or excessive oak sweetness.