Rioja receives 15 new single vineyards

In the Denominación de Origen Calificada (DDOCa Rioja, the Spanish government has designated 15 new vineyards from nine farms as "Viñedos Singulares" (single vineyards). This means that the appellation has 148 single vineyard sites from 90 owners with a total of 246 ha.

To be classified as single vineyard, the vines must be at least 35 years old. Yields are limited to 5,000 kg per hectare for red varieties and 6,922 kg/ha for white. The juice yield is limited to 65 litres per 100 kg of grapes, cultivation must be environmentally friendly and harvesting must be done by hand. In addition, the wines must pass two quality tastings: One shortly after completion of fermentation, a second shortly before release for marketing. The quality must be judged as "excellent" by the majority of the tasters.

With the rating "Viñedos Singulares", which is indicated on the back label of the wines, the Rioja Control Board guarantees wines from a special terroir. The distinction was introduced in 2017.

(al / source: riojawine)

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