Rioja is slowly but surely making a comeback on the world market. However, for the comeback to be a success certain producers think that things must change. But the mills grind slowly in Rioja. Producers had to wait a long time for permission to lighten up their white Rioja with Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay or Verdejo.
Now it seems that the next step in Rioja’s “modernization” will go faster. Will the producers be allowed to mention names of villages and names of single vineyards on the label? A Rioja today is either a joven, a crianza, a reserva or a gran reserva. The identity of the wine is thus determined based on how long the wine has been aged, in barrel and in bottle. The label can state Rioja Baja, Rioja Alta or Rioja Alavesa. A more narrow geographical indication is currently not allowed. But there is hope that it soon will be. Many producers are keeping their fingers crossed. We are not surprised; the important word in the wine world today is terroir.
Read more about the changes in Rioja on insiderioja.wordpress.com
