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Spanish winegrowers from the Rioja Alavesa winegrowing region in the politically autonomous Basque Country are not allowed to use the name "Viñedos de Álava", which was provisionally introduced last year, as a designation of origin. This was decided by the Supreme Court of the Basque Country (TSJPV). According to the news agency Efe-Agro, the use of the name was prohibited until the official decision of the EU. In its ruling, the court stressed "the great danger of confusion that would arise for consumers. Wines with two different protected designations of origin belonging to the same geographical area would then be available on the market."
As early as 2021, a group of about 40 Spanish wine producers in the Rioja Alavesa growing region had applied to the EU for a new DO called "Viñedos de Álava" in order to distinguish themselves from the larger Rioja appellation. The step met with massive resistance from the Rioja control councils at the time. They wanted to stop the new foundation in court. Last summer, the Basque government had provisionally approved the name on proposal.
The ruling was approved by the Rioja Wine Trade Association, but the Rioja Alavesa vintners have announced that they want to appeal against the ruling. The case will be referred to the Basque Supreme Court. It is expected that the EU will pass a judgement at a later date.
(ru / Source: Wine Searcher)