Circular 6/2001. Decisions
adopted to improve quality

The Control Board Plenary, having met in sessions on 1 December 2000 and 12 January, 6 April and 24 May 2001, adopted a number of decisions that responded to a general awareness of the sector regarding the need for improvement in the quality of protected wines, beyond the levels that earned the DO Calificada standing. In this effort, led by the missions that the Regulations entrust upon the Control Board, as the body that has to pursue the defence of the Designation as well as enforce its Regulations and promote the promotion and control of the protected wines, the steps arising from decisions are clarified below, as well as associated regulatory provisions:

• In the next 2001-2002 growing season, only maximum production yields of 100% will be protected, that is, 6,500 kilograms per hectare for red grapes and 9,000 kilograms per hectare for white grapes, and 70% grape-to-wine ratio.
• Failure to comply with the regulations regarding pruning or irrigation will entail, in the subsequent harvest, that the production of the affected area of the plot may not be used to make protected wines, i.e. grapes from non-complying vineyards will not be protected.
• Following are the minimum requirements for red wines arising from the decisions made:
  • Minimum alcoholic strength: 11.5%
  • Minimum colour intensity (A₄₂₀ + A₅₂₀ + A₆₂₀): 3.5 if malolactic fermentation has taken place (maximum 0.5 g/l malic acid).
  • Minimum colour intensity (A₄₂₀ + A₅₂₀ + A₆₂₀): 4, if malolactic fermentation has not taken place.
  • Minimum total polyphenol index: 30.
• The maximum percentage of white grapes in the vinification of red wines is 5% in the case destemmed grapes and 15% in the case of whole clusters. In the latter case, prior written notice to the Control Board stating the volume to be vinified is required.
• It is agreed that the maximum percentage of white grapes in the production of rosé wines will be 75%, based on the grapes of the next harvest.
• It is forbidden to mix rosé wines and red wines as of the vinification of the next harvest.
• The total yield of those plots with excessive productions not contemplated in the Regulations will be downgraded. The Control Board Technical Service will carry out a general inspection throughout the Region and set up a control system to supervise harvesting.
• The potential alcoholic strength of the grapes will be checked at the time of delivery in the grape delivery centres. Grapes not complying with minimum levels set by Regulations will lose the right of protection. Once the load has been recorded on the Grape Grower’s Record Book, the options available, at the receiver’s discretion, are either to unload the grapes or else not to take delivery of the grapes in the winery.

You are hereby notified for your knowledge and such effects as may obtain

Logroño, 8 June 2.001

THE PRESIDENT,

Ángel de Jaime Baró