Spain Rioja Winery Vineyards

Rioja Updates Classification to Emphasize Terroir with "Vino de Pueblo" Designation

Rioja’s governing body has announced significant changes to enhance the terroir-driven focus of its wines, renaming the "Vino de Municipio" classification to "Vino de Pueblo" (village wine).

This shift, approved by DOCa Rioja’s Regulatory Council on 15 February, reflects a new era of transparency and geographical specificity within the region.

In addition to the name change, the council introduced the term "Viñedo en" (vineyard in), which will now appear on labels of wines sourced exclusively from vineyards within a specific village. For instance, a wine originating from a vineyard in Ábalos can now display "Viñedo en Ábalos" alongside the "Vino de Pueblo" designation.

Currently, DOCa Rioja offers three geographical classifications for its wines. "Vino de Zona" allows producers to denote wines from the Rioja Alavesa, Alta, or Oriental subzones. The newly renamed "Vino de Pueblo" classification permits referencing one of Rioja’s 144 villages on the label. Furthermore, the "Viñedo Singular" classification, established in 2017, acknowledges single plots with distinct terroir characteristics, stipulating that the vineyards must be at least 35 years old and harvested by hand.

Addressing Producer Concerns

The introduction of "Viñedo en" nomenclature aims to address concerns among producers regarding the restrictive rules of the "Vino de Pueblo" classification. Previously, wines could only qualify if both the vineyard and the winery were situated within the same municipality. This regulation prevented smaller producers with vineyards spanning multiple villages from fully disclosing the origin on their labels.

In recent years, innovative producers like Bideona and Telmo Rodríguez have sought alternative labeling methods to reflect their wine’s true origins despite regulatory constraints.

Ongoing Challenges

Disputes over Rioja’s treatment of terroir have persisted, with instances such as Artadi’s departure from DOCa Rioja in 2015 and the recent decision by Bodegas Familiares de La Rioja to withdraw from the Regulatory Council due to dissatisfaction with current policies favoring larger industrial producers.

The Asociación de Bodegas de Rioja Alavesa is also contemplating separating from the Rioja DOca, arguing that the unique characteristics of the Basque section are not adequately represented within the broader appellation.

Regulatory Response

According to statements from the Regulatory Council to local publication Nuevecuatrouno, these regulatory changes are designed to meet consumer demands for greater transparency and to emphasize the diverse terroirs within the Rioja Designation of Origin.

These updates underscore Rioja’s commitment to highlighting the origins and unique qualities of its wines while navigating complex challenges within the wine industry.

 

Source: Decanter

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