C 88/56
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
24.2.2022
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 account 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 winegrowing 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 marketed under 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.
15 % (max.) of the grapes used to make the wine may come from registered vineyards located in municipalities bordering the area or the municipality where the operator is based.
Evidence must be provided that that percentage of grapes will be available on an exclusive basis for a period of at least 10 consecutive years.