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The Spanish white wine appellation D.O. Rueda has revised its production rules and added new grape varieties to its portfolio. According to the official bulletin of the Consejo Regulador, six additional white and two red grape varieties may be used for the production of wines. The main grape varieties for white wines are now Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc, Viura (previously secondary), Chardonnay (previously secondary), and Viognier (previously secondary). As secondary white grape varieties, White Grenache, Gewürztraminer, Godello, Muscat d‘Alexandrie, Yellow Muscat, and Riesling have been added. Red wines may now consist of the two main grape varieties Tempranillo and Cenicienta, while secondary grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Grenache, Merlot, Syrah, and newly also Bruñal may be used.
“With this change, we are responding not only to consumers but also to the cellar masters, oenologists, and winemakers of the D.O. Rueda designation, who have been demanding these changes for some time,” explains Carlos Yllera, president of the appellation. Many of these grape varieties have been grown in the region since 1996.
The new rules also foresee a change in the proportions of white grape varieties that must be used in winemaking. From now on, 75 percent and no longer just 50 percent of main grape varieties and 25 percent of secondary grape varieties are required. However, wines made from 100 percent main grape varieties are also permitted.
(ru / Press Release)