Finally yesterday the parliamentary initiative of the Basque Nationalist Party was withdrawn. This requested by means of a proposal of law that it be allowed to divide or subdivide the Denomination of Origin Qualified Rioja.
The real intention of the PNV was to subdivide the Denomination of Origin Rioja so that the Rioja Alavesa could have more independence. In this way, it was believed that this division or subdivision could help achieve better results in the denominations that share different autonomous communities. According to the PNV spokesperson, the objective was that “it could improve its specificity, promote closer management. Also to be able to channel the concerns of an important part of the Rioja Alavesa winemakers ”.
After having conversations with the Minister of Agriculture, Luís Planas, an agreement was reached to calm the waters and have a more serene debate with all parties. In this way, a table will be formed to find an agreement.
For its part, the Rioja Qualified Denomination of Origin has issued a statement announcing its satisfaction. As announced in the statement, "we are satisfied that this political initiative that would have fragmented the Rioja Qualified Denomination of Origin has been aborted." They also advance on the pact to negotiate that "the approach was already assessed by the Plenary in July 2020. The position adopted was emphatically contrary. The Rioja Qualified Denomination of Origin is one and only, with specificities already guaranteed within its umbrella. Its strength and recognition derive from that uniqueness ”.
More division in the DO Ca Rioja
Although the law initiative has been stopped, another separation initiative continues in DOCa Rioja. This other initiative is promoted by a group of winemakers from La Rioja Alavesa through the Rioja Alavesa Winery Association (ABRA). In this case, the process continues in the European Union as we advance in Gastronomic Information.
The project of these winemakers to form a Denomination of Origin called “Arabako Mahastiak-Viñedos de Álava. In this case, the DO Ca Rioja announced that it would denounce the processing of this new DO and would reach the final legal consequences.
