A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Rioja
Pronounce this Spanish wine region's name like 'REE-oh-hah' to be understood by wine lovers.
rioja
REE-oh-hah
/ˈriː.oʊ.xɑ/ · ree · oh · ha
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a well-known designation for red and white wines from the Rioja region of Spain.
Where the word comes from
Rioja is named after the Rio Oja, a tributary of the river Ebro. The name 'Oja' itself is thought to derive from the Latin word 'alogia', meaning 'stream'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- ree-OH-jah The 'j' sound is common in Spanish, but in this case, the 'j' represents a guttural 'h' sound, like the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'.
- roy-HA This mixes up the vowel sounds and the 'j' sound, missing the clear 'ee' and 'oh' sounds.
Frequently asked
Is Rioja a type of grape?
No, Rioja is a wine region in Spain, similar to how Napa Valley is a wine region in California. It's known for specific styles of wine, often made with Tempranillo grapes.
What does Rioja wine taste like?
Rioja wines, especially the reds, are often described as having notes of cherry, plum, vanilla, and dill, with a medium to full body. The taste can vary based on aging and grape varietals used.
How do you pronounce the 'j' in Rioja?
The 'j' in Rioja is pronounced like an English 'h' sound, similar to the 'ch' in 'loch' or the Spanish 'j' sound. It's not the 'j' sound in 'jump'.
