The association of small winemakers from Rioja Alavesa ABRA promoted the project in the summer of 2022, with the aim of marketing wine with the DO Viñedos de Álava label. The issue has economic but also political aspects, which we review in this chronology.
JUNE 2022
Some fifteen wineries from Rioja Alavesa are going to apply for the new name ‘Viñedos de Álava’ this year
Various small wineries in Laguardia, Samaniego, Villabuena and Lanciego they have decided to take the step and they are going to ask, this year, to benefit from the new denomination of origin “Arabako Mahastiak/Viñedos de Álava”.
JULY 2022
“Viñedos de Álava” are already asking for permission to sell Rioja wine in Spain with their own denomination
The European Union, meanwhile, is resolving the file in which the endorsement for this new denomination is requested. The request would be transitory, until Brussels gives its approval or not to what is requested by ABRA, the Rioja Alavesa Winery Association.
OCTOBER 2022
The Basque Government authorizes the designation of origin of Viñedos de Álava
It’s about a transitory permitsince the last word belongs to the European Commission, whose decision will take time to arrive.
The Basque Government points out that the authorization is provisional, while the PP Rioja demands that the president of the Government of La Rioja, Concha Andreu, appeal that authorization. For his part, the deputy general of Álava, Ramiro González, insists on a DOC Rioja Alavesa within Rioja.
VIDEO: The Viñedos de Álava appellation, in figures:
NOVEMBER 2022
The Basque Government underlines the legitimacy of the DO Viñedos de Álava and calls for respect for the process
If Europe opposes to the new denomination, will force the Rioja Alavesa Winery Association to withdraw the brand, which is contrary to the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin (DOCa).
VIDEO: The DOCa Rioja will file an appeal for reinstatement against Viñedos de Álava:
PNV and EH Bildu denounce the politicization of Viñedos de Álava when it responds to an “economic decision”. PSE-EE sees this “adventure” as “outrageous” for the PP+Cs to create a “political operation” and Elkarrekin Podemos-IU says that it must be respected.
VIDEO: The Government of Spain supports the exclusivity of the vineyards in the DOCa Rioja:
JANUARY 2022
The European Union will not approve ‘Viñedos de Álava’ if it does not have the backing of the Spanish Government
Joao Onofre, member of the Directorate of Agriculture of the European Commission, has assured in Logroño that the European Union will not approve the creation of the protected designation of origin ‘Viñedos de Álava-Arabako mahastiak’ without the prior agreement of the Government of Spainwhich currently does not have it.
Source: Eitb
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
