Wine Classification + Labelling laws

Question 1

Quality Levels

1. V d M
2. V d l T (IGT) (x40) sim to VdP
3. V de Cal c Ind Geo (VCIG) - stepping stone for higher Q level - 5 yrs
4. DdO (DO) (x60) Equivalent to AOC - Min Q, Grape, Viti Method, Loc + Style - Regulated by CR. 10 yrs for DOCa
5. DdO - Pago (DO Pago) x9 - O/S Single Est fr, DO + Prod own G
6. D d O C (DOCa, DOQ) x 2
   
   1. V H Q standard set + cont by ConReg
   2. 2 x DOCa: Rioja (91) Priorat (03). Duero expected but didn’t.

Ageing Req

• J - btl 1 yr after H
• C - min 2yr ageing / 6m cask
• Res - min 3yr ageing / 1yr oak
• GR - 5yr ageing / 2yr oak, only Exc V, often aged longer

Answer 1

6 different quality levels:

1. Vino de Mesa
2. Vino de la Tierra (IGT) x40 -Similar to VdP/IGT
3. Vinos de Calidad con Indicación Geographica (VCIG) - Stepping stone to higher quality level. 5 years before promotion
4. Denominación de Origen (DO) x60 - Equivalent to AOC i.e. must satisfy a minimum quality & grape varieties, viticultural method, location and style are specified and regulated by the Consejo Regulador. 10 years for promotion to DOCa
5. Denominación de Origen – Pago (DO Pago) x9 -Outstanding single estate from DO and which produce from own grapes.
6. Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa, DOQ) x2
   
   1. Very high quality standards set and controlled by Consejo Regulador
   2. 3 DOCa only: Rioja (91), Priorat (03). Duero expected in 2008 but eventually did not happen.

Ageing requirements with regional differences:

o Joven – bottled <1 yr after harvest
o Crianza – Min 2 yrs ageing / 6 mths in cask
o Reserva – Min 3 yrs ageing / 1yr in oak
o Gran Reserva – 5 yrs ageing / 2yrs in oak Only made in exceptional vintages. Often aged much longer.

• Other labelling terms
o Noble – Min 1 yr ageing / no oak ageing required
o Anejo – Min 2 yr ageing / no oak ageing required
o Viejo – Min 3 yr ageing / no oak ageing required. Wine may display marked oxidative notes

Question 2

S Q E - know who you are

Vinedo Singular

1. H-Picked
2. min 35yr
3. low Y
4. Label + T Test

Rioja + Village = Vino de Muicipio

Vinos de Zona - Rijoa, Esp Rioja Oriental (Baja prev)

Answer 2

Sabre Quién Eres = knowing who you are

New Tag Line for Rioja. New Styles/Olds style included.

Vinedo Singular

1. Hand picked
2. min 35 yr old vines
3. low yields
4. so labelled + taste test

Rioja + Village = Vino de Municipio

Vinos de Zona - Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Oriental (previous Baja)