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
Date: 2024-10-30
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Basque Country, Castile-Leon, Navarre, Rioja, Spain, consumer information, designation of origin, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, wine








C_202406466EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2024/6466


30.10.2024






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
(C/2024/6466)

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-AM12


Date of communication: 2 August 2024
                  


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT


CHANGES TO THE LABELLING RULES

Description
The option has been retained of using the term ‘Vino de’ (wine from) on the label together with the name of one of the 144 municipalities that make up the ‘Rioja’ protected designation of origin, when the wine originates exclusively from vineyards in the stated municipality and it has also been produced, where applicable aged, and bottled there. The exception has also been retained by which up to 15 % of the grapes used to make the wine can come from registered vineyards in neighbouring municipalities on condition of legally valid accreditation that the aforementioned quantity, 15 % of the grapes, will be available on an exclusive basis for a minimum period of 10 continuous years.
The terms available have been extended with the approval of the use of the term ‘Viñedo en’ (vineyard in) alongside the name of a municipality covered by the designation, where the wine comes exclusively from vineyards located in that specific municipality.
For both terms, ‘Vino de’ and ‘Viñedo en’ accompanied by the name of the municipality, the Regulatory Board will issue specific labels and seals bearing the term ‘Vino de Pueblo’ (village wine). Where the area, municipality or single vineyard could all be mentioned, the smallest geographical unit will be the one to appear on the label or seal.
Sections 8.b.9 and 8.b.10.3 of the product specification and section 9 of the single document have been amended.
It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).
Reasons
In 2017, the plenary Regulatory Board adopted a series of agreements to develop smaller geographical entities within the designation with the aim of enhancing the diversity and origin of the wines. The term ‘Vino de Zona’ (wine of the area) was already recognised. It has now been joined by ‘Vino de Municipio’ (wine of the municipality) and ‘Viñedo Singular’ (single vineyard). All of these terms are subject to a specific traceability and checking system.
Over 6 years after their approval, these terms have been accepted very positively, both by operators and consumers, as they are understood to represent quality in the wines.
The term ‘Vino de Pueblo’ (village wine) has been chosen to replace ‘Vino de Municipio’, as such wines were previously known. This is because the term ‘village’ is much more accessible and natural language than ‘municipality’, as well as being commercially more attractive.
The purpose of this amendment is to give greater prominence to the origin of the wines and the vineyard, giving the Rioja operators more tools with which to present the range of their offer.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Rioja
2.   Geographical indication type

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







1.


Wine










5.


Quality sparkling wine




3.1.   Combined Nomenclature code







—


22 - BEVERAGES, SPIRITS AND VINEGAR
2204 - Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must, other than that of heading 2009




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   White and rosé wines (dry and semi-dry)
BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
White wines: straw yellow in colour with lime-green 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)
BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
White wines: straw yellow in colour with lime-green 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)
BRIEF WRITTEN 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 % and 0,06 g/l for each degree of alcohol above 10 %.










*


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)
BRIEF WRITTEN 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 %




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.   Winemaking practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices







1.


 
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.










2.


 
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 % for red wines, 10,5 % for white wines and 9,5 % 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.














3.


 
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 %. The liqueur d’expédition must not increase the actual alcoholic strength by more than 0,5 %. After disgorgement, transfer without filtration to glass bottles with a capacity of less than 0,75 litres or 3 litres 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 fact that the area has fewer hours of daylight during the growth cycle than the area further south covered by the designation, as well as higher rainfall, 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’ protected 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 protected 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’ (Protected 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 referred to in the marketing, advertising and labelling of wines before the ageing process is complete.
The name of an area 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 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.
It is permitted to use the term ‘Vino de’ (wine from) on the label together with the name of one of the municipalities within the territory of the ‘Rioja’ protected designation of origin. This applies when the wine originates exclusively from vineyards in the stated municipality and it has also been produced, where applicable aged, and bottled there.
There is an exception in that wine is considered to be from a municipality where a maximum of 15 % of the grapes used come from registered vineyards in municipalities neighbouring the operator’s municipality, on condition of legally valid accreditation that the aforementioned quantity, 15 % of the grapes, will be available on an exclusive basis for a minimum period of 10 continuous years.
The label can include the term ‘Viñedo en’ (vineyard in) together with the name of one of the municipalities within the territory of the ‘Rioja’ protected designation of origin, where the wine comes exclusively from vineyards in the stated municipality.
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.


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/6466/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)