Focus on villages in new Rioja labelling
Rioja’s governing body has announced labelling rule changes designed to better emphasise ‘village’ wines’ origins.
The regional consejo regulador approved plans to rename the Vino de Municipio classification, covering the Rioja DOCa’s 144 municipalities, as Vino de Pueblo – or ‘village wine’.
It also agreed to allow the term ‘Viñedo en’ (vineyard in), followed by a village name, for Vino de Pueblo wines exclusively sourced from vineyards in a specific village. This may give producers wishing to use the classification more flexibility to highlight wines’ terroir.
Sarah Jane Evans MW, Spanish wine expert, Decanter contributing editor and Co-Chair at the Decanter World Wine Awards, welcomed the change, explaining: ‘Rioja has successfully sold itself as a strong unified brand. This decision further recognises Rioja’s diversity of terroirs.
‘For wine lovers who enjoy travelling, it brings Rioja’s villages alive. For many consumers it won’t make a difference, but it is important for Rioja’s credibility as a fine wine region of global importance.’
Last year, Rioja’s consejo regulador also added 15 names to its singlevineyard classification, launched in 2017 – bringing the total number of ‘Viñedos Singulares’ to 148.