Spain report: The evolving face of Rioja

The closing gala dinner of Rioja’s year-long centenary celebrations was by any measure a glittering affair. With the Consejo introducing its renewed dynamism by way of Raquel Pérez Cuevas, the first female president in its history, the extraordinary number of aged, high-end wines poured also pushed home the message that this region can stand tall in the world. And, having long been defined by the tensions between tradition and budding modernity, the vibe was that Rioja today is more fully embracing its diversity and thus full potential.