(GlobalPost) - Wine exports from northern Spain's Rioja region rose 7.74 percent in the first six months of this year, compared with the same period in 2012, totaling 47.7 million liters (12.6 million gallons), Rioja's DOCa wine quality regulation agency said.

By countries, the best customer for Rioja wines was the United Kingdom, purchasing 14.8 million liters, 4.58 percent more than the year before; followed by Germany, with 8.6 million liters, or 0.56 percent less than in 2012; and the United States, with slightly more than 5 million liters, a 20.23 percent increase.

The domestic market, meanwhile, consumed 91.8 million liters, 2.75 percent more than during the same period last year.

Sales of wine from Rioja totaled 139.5 million liters between January and June, a 4.40 percent increase over the same period in 2012.

The best-selling wines were non-vintage or young wines, with 64.4 million liters, an increase of 1.70 percent; followed by vintage wines, with 52.4 million liters, 4.24 percent higher; regular reserve wines, with 20.2 million liters, 13.18 percent higher; and larger reserve wines, with 2.3 million liters, an increase of 15.26 percent.

The average price per liter for exported wines was 4.10 euros (about $5.42), compared with 3.97 euros ($5.25) between January and June 2012.