Castilla y León, Spain (December 2, 2019) Aiming to open itself further to domestic and international markets, and to respond to the new demands of the Spanish accreditation body, the Entidad Nacional de Acreditación (ENAC), through a process lasting over several months, the Denomination of Origin Rueda (D.O. Rueda) has succeeded in getting the approval of a series of modifications to its product specification (basic Designation of Origin regulations) and labeling instructions.
These new varieties do not possess the status of main varieties, such as Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc in whites and Tempranillo in reds.
“All these changes are in response to our wineries' desire to adapt to market and consumer demands, both nationally and internationally. With these changes, they now have more ways to stand out in the market and more freedom with wine making under the D.O. Rueda seal. It is also an opportunity for winegrowers to work with new varieties which, according to studies, have proven to adapt perfectly to our climate and soil,” says Carmen San Martín, President of CRDO Rueda. “This process is the result of the Regulatory Council's interest in surprising the market with value-added products, always championing the origin of wines and committing to the rigorous quality controls of the D.O. Rueda.”
Some of the changes include:
WINE CLASSIFICATIONS
Only one category will be in place for the 2019 (still) white wines vintage: RUEDA, which merges the old classifications of "Rueda Verdejo", "Rueda Sauvignon" and "Rueda".
A new category was created: “Gran vino de Rueda”. This category corresponds to wines made with grapes from over 30 years old vineyards, with a yield of less than 6,500 kg per hectare and a 65% processing ratio. These wines can start being produced in the 2020 season and will carry a different back label.
A new type of wine is included: Rueda Pálido. A traditionally crafted wine in Rueda that had disappeared from the D.O.'s wine classification system. Thus recovering a wine acquired through biological aging, stored in oak barrels for at least three years before being marketed.
The concept of "Vino de Pueblo" emerges, which may show the municipality from which the grapes derive, provided that the percentage of grapes from that village is equal to or greater than 85%.
Sparkling wines may include the words "gran añada" (excellent harvest) when the production process, from pressing to disgorging, exceeds thirty-six months. This reference must be followed by the year of the harvest.
The new product specification establishes a single back label for white still wines and introduces new varieties such as Viogner and Chardonnay. Additionally, the Denomination of Origin will feature a new category: “Gran Vino de Rueda”.
NEW VARIETIES
New varieties are introduced, with a view of offering wine makers more opportunities to make unique wines that help distinguish their product in the market.
- Whites: Two new varieties are introduced. The Viogner, characterized by its floral bouquets and the Chardonnay, easy to grow and highly adaptable to the terroir and different weather conditions.
- Reds: A Syrah is introduced, delivering a full bodied wine with a wide range of flavors.
