Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 2023/C 331/02
Date: 2023-09-20
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Basque Country, Rioja, Spain, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine, white wine








C_2023331EN.01000201.xml










20.9.2023   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 331/2







Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33
(2023/C 331/02)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).
COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT


                     ‘Rioja’
                  


PDO-ES-A0117-AM10


Date of communication: 22.6.2023
                  


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   New types of quality sparkling wine

Description:

               ‘Extra Seco’, ‘Seco’ and ‘Semi Seco’ have been added to the types of wine already covered, which are ‘Brut Nature’, ‘Extra Brut’ and ‘Brut’, defined according to sugar content. However, the terms ‘Reserva’ and ‘Gran Añada’ can be used only for ‘Brut Nature’, ‘Extra Brut’ and ‘Brut’ wines.
This amendment concerns Section 2(a)(5) of the product specification and does not affect the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not constitute any of the changes set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
The purpose is to encourage the production of quality sparkling wines.
2.   Updating of regulatory references

Description:
The product specification previously referred to the rules in Annex I D to Regulation (EC) No 606/2009 as the basis for any sweetening carried out to produce semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines. It now refers to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/934.
This amendment concerns Section 2(a)(5) of the product specification and does not affect the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not constitute any of the changes set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
Regulation (EC) No 606/2009 was repealed and replaced by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/934, making the change of reference necessary.
3.   Changes to organoleptic descriptions

Description:
The organoleptic descriptions have been expanded for various types of wine, including those made by the carbonic maceration method.
Section 2(b) and 3(b)(4) of the product specification and Section 4 of the single document have been amended.
It is a standard amendment because it does not constitute any of the changes set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
The purpose is to pre-empt any remarks in the audits of compliance with the EN-UNE ISO/IEC 17065:2012 standard by providing appropriate descriptions of the various types of wine. This will also enable the tasting panel to differentiate between the wines as part of its general procedures. The aforementioned descriptions have also been included in the product guide.
4.   Changes to the grape harvest for quality sparkling wines

Description:
Mechanised harvesting is permitted for quality sparkling wines without the terms ‘Reserva’ and ‘Gran Añada’. For wines with those terms, harvesting must be manual. However, for wines with the term ‘Reserva’, mechanised harvesting may be permitted at night in exceptional cases, under certain conditions which will be established in the corresponding rules for that crop year.
Section 3(b)(4) of the product specification and Section 5.1 of the single document have been amended.
It is a standard amendment because it does not constitute any of the changes set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
The purpose is to encourage the production of quality sparkling wines.
5.   New smaller geographical units called ‘viñedos singulares’ (single vineyards)

Description:
Names and demarcations of new smaller geographical units have been added to the specification through a link to the publication in which they are officially recognised.
This amendment affects Section 4 of the product specification and Section 6 of the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
Under EU legislation (Article 55(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33), smaller geographical units must be well defined in the product specification and the single document. As the new units were recognised through a Ministerial Order published in the Spanish Official State Gazette, a reference to that Order should be included.
6.   Sole use of the grapes

Description:
The specification now states that grapes grown on vines entered in the PDO registers must be used exclusively to make wine covered by the PDO. This means that the grapes from such vines can only be used for this wine.
This amendment concerns Section 8(b)(10)(1) of the product specification and does not affect the single document.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories set out in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reason:
The wine covered by the PDO can only be made from grapes that comply with the specification. Registration of the vineyards covered by the PDO is therefore necessary for the purpose of checking that the grapes do indeed comply and, as such, can be used to make the wines in question. The full traceability process starts with checking the origin of the raw materials, grapes from registered vineyards, and continues to the certified labelling of the product. Recognition of the production area’s suitability for winegrowing means that, using the techniques and processes permitted, the final product demonstrates the characteristic typicity of Rioja wines, present in their analytical and organoleptic properties.
In effect, checking the origin of the raw materials involves verifying the compliance of the growing practices throughout the growing cycle of the vines. Specifically this includes: checking the pruning carried out by winegrowers during the period of winter dormancy (winter pruning); checking production forecasts to ensure that yields will conform to the maximum production permitted in each crop year; checking that irrigation is used correctly; checking young vineyards where there are exceptional requests for them to enter into production early; and finally, checking the grapes harvested from the registered vineyards, including their arrival at the winery. All of these checks always take place throughout the wine-growing year. All of them, and especially the checks on yields, ensure that traceability of the wine and compliance with the specification can be guaranteed.
Checking the origin of the raw materials requires there to be an accurate vineyard register with reliable data reflecting the true situation.
It is also necessary to be aware of particularly important issues such as: the potential production of the PDO every crop year; checks necessary to verify compliance with the specification; management of the quotas required for access to services and the exercise of rights conferred through membership of the PDO, as well as the financing of the costs arising from its organisational and operational rules.
Furthermore, for every crop year the Rioja PDO must have a certain potential grape production. This is both for the purpose of decision making in the light of market prospects, and to avoid any distortions these might cause. These issues underpin the conditions laid down for establishing limits on vineyards, and recommendations on replanting and conversion of rights.
Finally, the requirement for registered parcels to be used exclusively for the production of Rioja is in no way detrimental to the freedom to conduct business. The reason is that, as a ‘Denominación de Origen Calificada’ [Qualified Designation of Origin], Rioja wine could not, in practice, have any alternative use except ordinary wine, without designation. This is because there is a strong link between the characteristics of the land and production systems and the defining properties of the final product, which prevents those grapes from being used in any other Designation of Origin. Winegrowers are free to decide whether to register vineyards, and to subsequently withdraw them from the register: acts which clearly demonstrate freedom to conduct business.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name of the product

Rioja
2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin
3.   Categories of grapevine product







1.


Wine










5.


Quality sparkling wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   White and rosé wines (dry and semi-dry)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
White wines: straw yellow in colour with lime tints, clear and bright. Fruity, floral or vegetal aromas, typical of the variety. Distinct acidity with a fresh feeling.
Rosé wines: strawberry-coloured with raspberry tints (salmon in the case of ‘Crianza’ wines), bright, clear. Aromas of fresh fruit or flowers. Balance between acidity and fruit in the mouth, with a fresh feeling.
In both cases, with ageing the aromas blend with others of oak wood (vanilla, toasted and smoky aromas) and the acidity integrates with the toasted wood aromas.






—


The alcohol content varies depending on the sub-area and ageing.










—


Greater volatility in wines that are over a year old.










—


Maximum SO2 180 mg/l if sugar < 5 g/l.










—


For any limits not covered, current legislation will apply.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


10,5




Minimum total acidity


3,5 grams per litre, expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,3




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


240




2.   White and rosé wines (semi-sweet and sweet)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
White wines: straw yellow in colour with lime tints, clear and bright. Fruity, floral or vegetal aromas, typical of the variety. Distinct acidity, a feeling of freshness and sweetness in the mouth depending on the type.
Rosé wines: strawberry-coloured with raspberry tints (salmon in the case of ‘Crianza’ wines), bright, clear. Aromas of fresh fruit or flowers. Balance between acidity and fruit, with a feeling of freshness and sweetness in the mouth depending on the type.
In both cases, with ageing the aromas blend with others of oak wood (vanilla, toasted and smoky aromas) and the acidity integrates with the toasted wood aromas.






—


The alcohol content varies depending on the sub-area and ageing.










—


Greater volatility in wines that are over a year old.










—


Maximum SO2 180 mg/l if sugar < 5 g/l.










—


For any limits not covered, current legislation will apply.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


10,5




Minimum total acidity


3,5 grams per litre, expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


25




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


240




3.   Red wines (dry and semi-dry)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Young wines are purple in colour with violet tones. ‘Crianza’ wines are garnet and cherry red. ‘Reserva’ wines are cherry red with ruby tints. ‘Gran Reserva’ wines are ruby red with russet tones. Fruity or floral aromas typical of the variety, with toasted oak aromas in the case of ‘Crianza’ wines. ‘Reserva’ and ‘Gran Reserva’ wines are more complex with spiced aromas. Taste: flavourful with balanced acidity/alcohol/tannin content. Ageing enhances smoothness and extends the persistence in the mouth.






—


The alcohol content limits vary depending on the area and ageing.










—


Volatile acidity: dry wines more than a year old, maximum 1 g/l up to 10 % vol. and 0,06 g/l for each degree of alcohol above 10 % vol.










—


SO2: maximum 140 mg/l if sugar < 5 g/l.










—


For any limits not covered, current legislation will apply.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11,5




Minimum total acidity


3,5 grams per litre, expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


13,3




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


180




4.   Quality sparkling wines (white or rosé)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION
Wine that continuously releases carbon dioxide, which takes the visual form of fine bubbles when poured. Quality sparkling wine, like the base wine after the first fermentation, is clear, without particles in suspension, and different shades of yellow and pink in colour. Its aroma has positive attributes of freshness and fruit, with the complexity resulting from having spent time on the lees during the second fermentation. This is most noticeable in ‘Reserva’ and ‘Gran Añada’ wines. It must be free from defects, especially those resulting from oxidisation or reduction.






—


For any limits not covered, current legislation will apply.










—


Maximum actual alcoholic strength: 13 % vol.










General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11




Minimum total acidity


5,5 grams per litre, expressed as tartaric acid




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


10,83




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


140




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

Cultivation practice
Vineyards are considered productive in their fourth growth cycle (or before that, subject to authorisation).
Mixed plantations where it is not possible to harvest varieties completely separately are prohibited, except in certain cases.
Density: min. 2 850–max. 10 000 vines/ha.
Pruning/training systems: traditional gobelet training and variants, double cordon, rod and thumb, single or unilateral cordon, double Guyot (only for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, Maturana Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco and Turruntés).
Maximum load: 12 buds/vine; 16 for white varieties mentioned and 14 for Garnacha. Exceptions possible.
Irrigation: permitted between 15 August and the harvest using only localised systems and subject to submission of a written notification 24 hours in advance; sprinkler irrigation is allowed if permission is granted; other methods are prohibited.
For production of quality sparkling wines with the terms ‘Reserva’ and ‘Gran Añada’, the harvest must be manual. Mechanised harvesting is prohibited. Mechanised harvesting at night may exceptionally be permitted for quality sparkling wine with the term ‘Reserva’, under the conditions laid down in the rules for each crop year.
Specific oenological practice
Proportion of varieties according to the type of wine:
RED: min. 95 % red varieties if the grapes are destemmed and 85 % if they are in whole bunches.
WHITE: 100 % white grapes.
ROSÉ: min. 25 % red grapes.
QUALITY SPARKLING WINES (WHITE AND ROSÉ): with white and/or red grapes. At least 25 % of the grapes used to make rosés must be red.
The optional blending of grape colours must be done after delivery.
Grape characteristics: healthy and with a minimum natural strength of 11 % vol. for red wines, 10,5 % vol. for white wines and 9,5 % vol. for quality sparkling wines.
Maximum processing yield:






—


70 litres per 100 kg harvested in the case of wines. This can vary within certain limits in exceptional cases.










—


62 litres per 100 kg harvested in the case of quality sparkling wines. This can vary within certain limits in exceptional cases.










—


65 litres per 100 kg harvested in the case of wines that will bear the term ‘viñedo singular’ (single vineyard). No variation allowed.




Relevant restriction on making the wines
Prohibitions:






—


Using fractions of must or wine obtained by inadequate pressure in protected wines










—


Using continuous screw presses or crushing machines with a centrifugal action, preheating grapes or heating must or wine in the presence of the marc in order to force the extraction of colouring material










—


Using oak woodchips in production, ageing and storage










—


Blending different types of wine to obtain wine that is different from the blended wines




Specific wine-making conditions:






—


Barrel fermentation: only in the case of white and rosé wines, which must remain in the barrel for at least a month.










—


Carbonic maceration: the maximum percentage of white grapes permitted in the production of red wines is 5 % if the grapes have been destemmed and 15 % if they are in whole bunches.










—


Quality sparkling wine: according to the traditional method. At least 15 consecutive months between tirage and disgorgement, in the same bottle. The entire production process, including labelling, at the same winery. In the second fermentation, the alcoholic strength acquired must not exceed 1,5 % vol. The liqueur d’expédition must not increase the actual alcoholic strength by more than 0,5 % vol. After disgorgement, transfer without filtration to glass bottles with a capacity of less than 0,75 l or 3 l or more is allowed. Acidification and decolouring are prohibited.




5.2.   Maximum yields







1.


Red grape varieties

                           6 500 kilograms of grapes per hectare










2.


Red grape varieties
45,5 hectolitres per hectare










3.


White grape varieties

                           9 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare










4.


White grape varieties
63 hectolitres per hectare










5.


Red grapes intended to produce ‘viñedo singular’ (single vineyard) wine

                           5 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare










6.


Red grapes intended to produce ‘viñedo singular’ wine
32,5 hectolitres per hectare










7.


White grapes intended to produce ‘viñedo singular’ wine

                           6 922 kilograms of grapes per hectare










8.


White grapes intended to produce ‘viñedo singular’ wine
44,99 hectolitres per hectare




6.   Demarcated geographical area

RIOJA ALTA






 


Autonomous Community of Rioja










 


Ábalos










 


Alesanco










 


Alesón










 


Anguciana










 


Arenzana de Abajo










 


Arenzana de Arriba










 


Azofra










 


Badarán










 


Bañares










 


Baños de Río Tobía










 


Baños de Rioja










 


Berceo










 


Bezares










 


Bobadilla










 


Briñas










 


Briones










 


Camprovín










 


Canillas










 


Cañas










 


Cárdenas










 


Casalarreina










 


Castañares de Rioja










 


Cellórigo










 


Cenicero










 


Cidamón










 


Cihuri










 


Cirueña










 


Cordovín










 


Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón










 


Daroca de Rioja










 


Entrena










 


Estollo










 


Foncea










 


Fonzaleche










 


Fuenmayor










 


Galbárruli










 


Gimileo










 


Haro










 


Hervías










 


Herramélluri










 


Hormilla










 


Hormilleja










 


Hornos de Moncalvillo










 


Huércanos










 


Lardero










 


Leiva










 


Logroño










 


Manjarrés










 


Matute










 


Medrano










 


Nájera










 


Navarrete










 


Ochánduri










 


Ollauri










 


Rodezno










 


Sajazarra










 


San Asensio










 


San Millán de Yécora










 


San Torcuato










 


San Vicente de la Sonsierra










 


Santa Coloma










 


Sojuela










 


Sorzano










 


Sotés










 


Tirgo










 


Tormantos










 


Torrecilla sobre Alesanco










 


Torremontalbo










 


Treviana










 


Tricio










 


Uruñuela










 


Ventosa










 


Villalba de Rioja










 


Villar de Torre










 


Villarejo










 


Zarratón










 


Province of Burgos (Miranda de Ebro): El Ternero (enclave)




RIOJA ORIENTAL






 


Autonomous Community of Rioja










 


Agoncillo










 


Aguilar del Río Alhama










 


Albelda










 


Alberite










 


Alcanadre










 


Aldeanueva de Ebro










 


Alfaro










 


Arnedillo










 


Arnedo










 


Arrúbal










 


Ausejo










 


Autol










 


Bergasa










 


Bergasilla










 


Calahorra










 


Cervera del Río Alhama










 


Clavijo










 


Corera










 


Cornago










 


El Redal










 


El Villar de Arnedo










 


Galilea










 


Grávalos










 


Herce










 


Igea










 


Lagunilla de Jubera










 


Leza del Río Leza










 


Molinos de Ocón










 


Murillo de Río Leza










 


Muro de Aguas










 


Nalda










 


Ocón (La Villa)










 


Pradejón










 


Préjano










 


Quel










 


Ribafrecha










 


Rincón de Soto










 


Santa Engracia de Jubera (northern part)










 


Santa Eulalia Bajera










 


Tudelilla










 


Villamediana de Iregua










 


Villarroya










 


Autonomous Community of Navarre










 


Andosilla










 


Aras










 


Azagra










 


Bargota










 


Mendavia










 


San Adrián










 


Sartaguda










 


Viana




RIOJA ALAVESA






 


Province of Álava










 


Baños de Ebro










 


Barriobusto










 


Cripán










 


Elciego










 


Elvillar de Álava










 


Labastida










 


Labraza










 


Laguardia










 


Lanciego










 


Lapuebla de La barca










 


Leza










 


Moreda de Álava










 


Navaridas










 


Oyón










 


Salinillas de Buradón










 


Samaniego










 


Villabuena de Álava










 


Yécora




Vineyards located in the municipality of Lodosa on the right bank of the Ebro that were entered in the Board’s vineyard register as at 29 April 1991 will remain registered as long as they continue to exist.
Any change to the boundaries of a municipality included in the production area will not result in registered vineyards being removed from the vineyard register.
The production area includes smaller geographical units that are identified as ‘viñedos singulares’ (single vineyards). These are smaller than a municipality and can consist of a single cadastral parcel or several different ones. The vines must be at least 35 years old.
The single vineyards recognised are demarcated in the Annex to Order APA/816/2019 of 28 June 2019 (Official State Gazette 181 of 30 July 2019) (https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2019/07/30/pdfs/BOE-A-2019-11186.pdf), the Annex to Order APA/780/2020 of 3 August 2020 (Official State Gazette 214 of 8 August 2020) (https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2020/08/08/pdfs/BOE-A-2020-9446.pdf), the Annex to Order APA/468/2021 of 5 May 2021 (Official State Gazette 115 of 14 May 2021) (https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2021/05/14/pdfs/BOE-A-2021-8011.pdf), the Corrigendum to Order APA/468/2021 of 5 May 2021 (Official State Gazette 137 of 9 June 2021) (https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2021/06/09/pdfs/BOE-A-2021-9611.pdf), and the Annex to Order APA/794/2022 of 10 August 2022 (Official State Gazette 195 of 15 August 2022) (https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2022/08/15/pdfs/BOE-A-2022-13770.pdf).
7.   Wine grape variety(ies)







 


ALARIJE - MALVASÍA RIOJANA










 


ALBILLO MAYOR - TURRUNTÉS










 


CHARDONNAY










 


GARNACHA BLANCA










 


GARNACHA TINTA










 


GRACIANO










 


MACABEO - VIURA










 


MATURANA BLANCA










 


MATURANA TINTA










 


MAZUELA - MAZUELO










 


SAUVIGNON BLANC










 


TEMPRANILLO










 


TEMPRANILLO BLANCO










 


VERDEJO




8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   Wine

Wines made from grapes grown in Rioja Alta are characterised by the special influence of the Atlantic climate, which gives them moderate alcoholic strength, body and high acidity. These qualities make the wines suitable for barrel-ageing. The area has fewer hours of daylight during the growth cycle than the area further south covered by the designation. It also has higher rainfall, which has a direct bearing on the wines’ acidity. These factors, together with the protection afforded by the Sierra de Cantabria, enhance the characteristics of the wines described above, whether on their own or blended with wines from other areas. In the case of the Rioja Alavesa area, the convergence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates means that the wines have a slightly higher alcoholic strength than those previously mentioned. They also have a slightly lower acidity and are more versatile inasmuch as they can be enjoyed young but are also suitable for ageing. This area is even better shielded by the Sierra de Cantabria, to the north. The hours of daylight are similar to those of Rioja Alta while the rainfall is slightly lower. Their versatility also makes them ideal for use in the production of blended wines. Finally, in the case of the southernmost area, Rioja Oriental, we find lower rainfall and a notably Mediterranean climate generally characterised by more sunshine. The wines have a higher alcoholic strength, are rich in extracts and are ideal for blending to produce wines intended for ageing. They can also be enjoyed young.
Analysis of the soils reveals three main types. Firstly, there are the clay-limestone soils found in the northernmost part of the area covered by the designation. These are the basic resource for vine-growing across Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. Then, in the latter area and in Rioja Oriental, there are also alluvial and iron-rich clay soils which produce wines with less body than those previously mentioned.
In economic terms, wine accounts for 20 % of the region’s GDP. This, together with the fact that wine has been grown in the region since time immemorial, means that the region is dependent on the sustainability of wine-growing and that full advantage is taken of the natural conditions described. In particular, there is the speciality of ageing wines, which has resulted in one of the highest concentrations of oak barrels in the world.
8.2.   Quality sparkling wine

While the designation is mainly associated with the production of still wines, some wineries have nevertheless been producing quality sparkling wines by the traditional method since the mid-nineteenth century, hence the know-how and experience.
Freshness and acidity are two key elements in the production of quality sparkling wines. The area covered by the designation lies within an area of cooler temperatures on the Winkler scale. This contributes to short growing cycles which result in correct phenolic ripeness without high levels of alcoholic strength: features that provide the ideal starting point for the production of these wines.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:






 


In national legislation




Type of further condition:






 


Packaging within the demarcated geographical area




Description of the condition:
Wines to be covered by the ‘Rioja’ qualified designation of origin must be bottled at registered wineries authorised by the Regulatory Board. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to use the designation.
This requirement has been established in response to the fact that there is a greater risk of impairing the quality of the final product if it is transported and bottled outside the production area than if those operations take place within that area. The requirement serves to protect the fine reputation of Rioja wine by strengthening control of its special characteristics and quality. It protects the qualified designation of origin from which all of the producers concerned benefit. The decision was confirmed by a judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 16 May 2000.
Legal framework:






 


In national legislation




Type of further condition:






 


Additional provisions relating to labelling




Description of the condition:
The word ‘RIOJA’ must feature prominently on the labelling. The following items must appear just below the word ‘RIOJA’: the words ‘Denominación de Origen Calificada’ (Qualified Designation of Origin); the Regulatory Board seal; the brand name; the name or business name of a registered winery or a trade name.
The terms ‘barrel’ and ‘wood’ must not be used in the marketing, advertising or labelling of wines until the ageing process is complete.
The name of an area or a municipality may be used if the grapes are from there and the wine has been produced, aged (if applicable) and bottled there. However, no more than 15 % of the grapes used to make the wine can come from registered vineyards located in municipalities bordering the area or municipality where the operator is based, and proof must be provided that the aforementioned 15 % of the grapes will be available on an exclusive basis for a period of at least 10 consecutive years.
In the case of quality sparkling wines, the expression ‘Método Tradicional’ [Traditional Method] must appear immediately below the term referring to the sugar content, in a font size no larger than that used for the name ‘Rioja’.
On the label containing the compulsory information, the font size of the expression ‘Método Tradicional’ must not be smaller than 0,3 cm.
The term ‘viñedo singular’ [single vineyard] must appear immediately below the name of the vineyard registered as a trademark, with a font size, width and colour that are at most equivalent to those used for the name ‘Rioja’.
Without prejudice to the above, minimum labelling requirements laid down in accordance with Article 17(h)(4) of Law 6/2015 of 12 May 2015 on protected designations of origin and geographical indications at supra-Autonomous-Community level must be complied with.

Link to the product specification

https://www.mapa.gob.es/es/alimentacion/temas/calidad-diferenciada/dop-igp/htm/dop_rioja.aspx


(1)  
            OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.