At Bodegas Zinio, we receive many questions from visitors, wine enthusiasts, and Rioja lovers. Today we’ve gathered some of the most common ones… and we’re giving you clear, useful answers without unnecessary technicalities. Plus, you’ll be able to take part in mini-polls and tasting challenges as you read. Let’s go!

1. At what temperature should I serve wine?

Temperature is key for a wine to show its best side. As an easy rule:

• Young reds: 14–15 ºC

• Crianza and Reserva reds: 16–18 ºC

• Young whites: 8–10 ºC

• Barrel-fermented whites: 10–12 ºC

• Rosés: 8–10 ºC

Think of it this way: the lighter the wine feels, the cooler it should be served; the more complex it is, the slightly warmer it can be.

Do you usually serve your wine at the right temperature?

• Yes, always

• Sometimes, depending on the wine

• Never, I just go by feeling

2. How do you preserve an opened bottle of wine?

Once the bottle is opened, the wine starts interacting with oxygen. To keep it in good condition:

• Reds: 2–4 days in a cool place, properly sealed.

• Whites and rosés: 3–5 days in the fridge.

• Sparkling wines: 1–2 days maximum with a proper sparkling-wine stopper.

Fun tip: If you want a little “tasting experiment,” open two identical bottles—store one sealed and leave the other exposed to air. You’ll notice the difference in flavour after a couple of days.

3. What does “body” mean in a wine?

When we say a wine has body, we’re talking about the sense of weight and density in the mouth. A light-bodied wine feels fresh and agile; a full-bodied wine feels more intense and structured, often with more tannins or alcohol.

Mini-challenge: Take your last glass of wine and think: light, medium, or full-bodied? Write it in the comments and share your experience with other readers.

4. Are rosé and clarete the same?

No, although they’re often confused:

• Rosé: Made from red grapes, but with very short skin contact, resulting in soft colours and fruity aromas.

• Clarete: A mix of red and white grapes fermented together, a traditional style in some areas of Rioja. It’s usually lighter, fresher, and paler than rosé.

Did you know that all rosés are made from red grapes?

• Yes, I knew

• No, I thought it was mixed with white wine

• I’m not sure

5. Why do wines taste different depending on the glass?

The shape of the glass affects how aromas are released and how the wine reaches your palate. Large glasses allow reds to “breathe,” while narrower glasses preserve the freshness of whites and sparkling wines.

Mini-challenge: Next time you have several types of glasses at home, try the same wine in two different shapes and see if you notice a difference. Share your results with us!

Suggested image:
Three wine glasses (tulip, Bordeaux, and white wine glass) lined up, each with a different wine, on an elegant neutral background.

6. What does it really mean when a wine is “from Rioja”?

It means it was produced within the Rioja DOCa (Qualified Designation of Origin), following strict quality controls and regulations that guarantee authenticity and style. Rioja has three sub-regions —Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental— each with its own personality.

Which of the three Rioja areas do you know or have visited?

• Rioja Alta

• Rioja Alavesa

• Rioja Oriental

• None, but I’d love to

Take part and share your experience!

Leave your answers in the comments, join the mini-quizzes and tasting challenges. Every bottle tells a story… and we want you to be part of it.

Cheers from Bodegas Zinio!