Fire Up the Grill, It's Rioja Time! The Perfect Wine for Your Memorial Day BBQ (And a Surprise Market Star!)

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner – a time for remembrance, relaxation, and of course, the iconic American p̶l̶a̶n̶t̶-̶b̶a̶s̶e̶d̶ BBQ. As you plan your menu of smoky ribs, juicy burgers, and perfectly charred veggies, there's one beverage that deserves a prime spot at your picnic table next to Aunt Jan: Palacios Remondo 2020 La Montesa Rioja.  Well, any Rioja really but I am partial to Remondo. 

Rioja is a versatile Spanish gem.   It is not only a fantastic companion to all your grilled favorites but also boasts an intriguing success story in today's challenging wine market, when the demise of wine is being greatly exaggerated.

Rioja truly is a BBQ master's best friend because of its incredible range and food-pairing prowess. Whether you're a fan of robust reds, crisp whites, or even refreshing rosés, Rioja has a style to satisfy every palate and complement every dish coming off the grill. Typically made from the Tempranillo grape, these red wines offer a beautiful balance of ripe red and black fruit flavors, hints of spice from oak aging (often American oak, imparting notes of vanilla and dill), and a good structure with tannins that cut through the richness of grilled meats. 

Any young, unoaked red Rioja, often labeled as "Joven" or simply "Rioja," can be a great, fruit-forward option for a range of dishes at your cookout. The inherent smokiness from the grill beautifully marries with the subtle oak influences often found in Rioja wines, creating a harmonious flavor experience. Their good acidity also helps to cleanse the palate, making each bite as delicious as the first.

Beyond its deliciousness, Rioja has another compelling story to tell. In a global wine market that has seen a general decline in consumption, Rioja has impressively bucked the trend. Recent reports from 2024 indicate that total sales of Rioja wines actually grew by 0.63%, with exports showing an even stronger performance, increasing by 4.42%.

This resilience is particularly noteworthy. While many wine regions are navigating challenging conditions, Rioja's commitment to quality, its diverse range of styles, and its strong consumer loyalty have allowed it to not just weather the storm but to find growth. This makes choosing Rioja for your Memorial Day celebration not only a tasty decision but also a nod to a wine region that's clearly doing something right.  Everyone loves a good success story and a good Rioja  

So, as you stock up for the long weekend, reach for a bottle (or two!) of Rioja. You'll be treating your guests to a wine that's perfectly suited for the joyous, smoky, and flavorful atmosphere of a Memorial Day BBQ, all while supporting a varietal that's demonstrating remarkable strength and appeal in the current wine market.