Circular 10/1992. Planting,
replanting and replacement
with white varieties
Article 9 of the Regulations of the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja provide that, for the authorisation of new plantations, replantings and replacements in lands or vineyards located in the production area, a report from the Control Board stating whether it is possible to include them in the relevant Register is required.
The Plenary, in session held on 6 March studied what is related to this issue of white varieties. At present, there are 8,752 ha of white varieties recorded in the Register of Vineyards, which gives production possibilities of more than 78 million kg of grapes. The amounts made of white and rosé wines in the last four years show an average of 15.5 million litres of white wines and 18.5 million litres of rosé wine.
On the other hand, wines of this type marketed in the same period are 13 million litres of white wine and 12.75 million litres of rosé wines, on average per year.
In view of these FIGURES, and given that there is an imbalance between the existing vineyards of white varieties and the real needs of the Designation of this type of grapes, the following agreements were reached:
- To temporarily suspend the favourable report of any request for planting, replanting or replacing vineyards with white varieties.
- This temporary suspension will be of at least one year duration and will continue in force as long as the Plenary does not decide to the contrary in view of the development of the vineyards.
- To urge upon the relevant autonomous administrations to encourage the replacement of vineyards with white varieties with red varieties.
- The previous provisions on this question, circulated in Official Circular no. 7/86, are repealed.
You are hereby notified for such effects as may obtain.
Logroño, 23 March 1992
THE PRESIDENT,
Ángel de Jaime Baró