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A group of about 40 Spanish wine producers in the Rioja Alavesa wine-growing region has applied to the EU to create a new DO to be called "Viñedos de Álava". The region is politically part of the autonomous Spanish Basque Country.
"The new DO is an answer to all the disappointment that many small producers and quality producers have with the DOCa Rioja", Jose Urtasun, co-owner of Remirez de Ganuza, explained, according to "Drinks Business". According to the report, the proposal to create an independent appellation within Rioja Alavesa was first put forward in 2016 by "Abra", the association of Rioja Alavesa producers. However, the motion was later withdrawn as the Rioja control councils had promised significant changes to the guidelines. The most important of these was the introduction of single-vineyard wines, the "Viñedos Singulares".
Under the appellation rules now proposed by the producers, yields would be limited to 6,000 kg per hectare for red wines and 8,000 for white wines. In addition, the cultivation of international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay would be prohibited. The DO is to be open to all producers. The step meets with massive resistance from the Rioja control councils. The president of the Consejo Regulador, José Luis Lapuente, told the Spanish press that the DO "has appealed against this decision. We will go to court if this is not stopped".
(uka / Source: Drinks Business - Photo: Wikipedia / Basotxerri)