At what temperature should a Rioja (red) generally be served?

A Rioja, particularly a red Rioja, is best served at a temperature range of 15-18°C (59-64°F). This temperature allows the wine's flavors and aromas to be fully expressed, as it is cool enough to maintain the wine's freshness but warm enough to enhance the complexity and body of the wine.

Serving red wines, such as Rioja, too cold can mute the flavors and aromas, while serving them too warm can accentuate the alcohol and overwhelm the palate. The suggested range is also consistent with general wine serving recommendations for most medium- to full-bodied red wines, where the balance between acidity, tannin, and fruit is best appreciated at these temperatures. Therefore, choosing this range not only suits Rioja specifically but aligns with common practices for enjoying red wines to their fullest.