February 24th, 2020
January 30, 2020 (NEW YORK) – The Denomination of Origin Rueda (D.O. Rueda), the top white wine region in Spain, has secured approval of a series of modifications to its classification and labeling regulations. The classification system establishes new categories and introduces new grape varieties to the D.O. These updates will be reflected in 2020 and first seen by consumers and trade in the 2019 vintage.
The new grape varieties offer winemakers more opportunities to make unique wines that help distinguish their product in the domestic and export markets. The traditional Verdejo varietal, which is native to the Rueda region, will remain its flagship grape, along with the continued prominence of the Sauvignon Blanc. The updated rules will now allow white wines to include:
The new classification system updates also include:
D.O. Rueda is implementing the new classification system to open itself further to domestic and international markets and to respond to the new requirements of the Spanish accreditation body, the Entidad Nacional de Acreditación (ENAC).
“All these changes respond to our wineries’ desire to adapt to the market and consumer demands, both nationally and internationally. Now they have more possibilities to stand out in the market and more freedom in winemaking with the D.O. Rueda seal and guarantee of origin. 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,” stated 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.”
For more information, please visit: www.riberarudeawine.com, www.dorueda.com or www.ruedaconrueda.com.
About D.O. Rueda
D.O. Rueda was founded in 1980, the first D.O. in Castilla y Leon and is ranked as the top selling white wine region in the Spanish market, according to Nielsen. Situated on a high plateau with a continental climate, Rueda has long cold winters, short springs and hot summers, perfect for the Verdejo grape, the dominant varietal in the region. High elevations and gravelly stone soils allow the Verdejo to ripen by mid-September and develop deep aromas and flavors resulting in dry, fresh wines that are food-friendly and accessible.
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Rachel Nugent