Spanish Wine Classification

Understanding Spanish Wine Classification: A Comprehensive Guide

Spain is renowned for its rich and diverse wine heritage, with a classification system designed to ensure the quality and authenticity of its wines. In this guide, we’ll delve into the Spanish wine classification, exploring its various categories, regions, and what makes each designation unique.

Wine Classifications by ‘Geographical Indication’ (GI) System

The European Union has implemented a quality policy to safeguard the names of specific products, thereby promoting their unique traits closely linked to their geographical origin and traditional production methods. This policy includes several quality schemes aimed at helping consumers identify and trust high-quality products while aiding producers in marketing their products more effectively.

“Geographical indications establish intellectual property rights for specific products, whose qualities are specifically linked to the area of production.”

Breakdown and Explanation of Geographical Indications

Definition: Geographical indications (GIs) are labels used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics inherent to that location.

Purpose: They serve to identify products as originating from a particular place, ensuring that these products maintain a certain standard related to their region of origin.

Protection: These rights protect against imitation and misuse, ensuring that only genuine products can be marketed under the protected name.

Specific Products (Scope): The protection applies to a wide range of products, including wines, spirits, cheeses, and other agricultural products. Each product must meet specific criteria related to its geographical origin to qualify for GI status.

Examples: For instance, Champagne can only be called Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region of France and follows specific production methods. Similarly, Parma Ham must be produced in the Parma region of Italy using traditional methods.

Types of Geographical Indications under the EU Quality Schemes

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Food and Wine. This designation is reserved for products that have the strongest links to the place where they are made. For a wine to qualify as a PDO, every part of the production process must take place in the specific region, with 100% of the grapes coming from that region. For instance, Spanish wines such as Rioja and Priorat are PDO wines, meaning the grapes must come exclusively from their respective regions.

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Food and Wine. PGI emphasizes the relationship between the specific geographic region and the name of the product, where a particular quality, reputation, or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. For PGI wines, at least one of the stages of production must take place in the region, and 85% of the grapes have to come from that specific region. An example is the “Vinos de la Tierra” wines, which have strong regional characteristics but more flexible production requirements compared to PDO wines.

Geographical Indication (GI) for Spirit Drinks
While this classification is specific to spirit drinks, it operates on similar principles as PDO and PGI for wines. It ensures that the name of a spirit drink originating in a particular region or locality reflects its unique qualities attributable to its geographical origin.

Overview of the Spanish Wine Classification System

Spain’s wine classification system is designed to ensure the quality and authenticity of its wines, reflecting the country’s rich viticultural heritage. As of today, Spain boasts 101 Denominaciones de Origen Protegidas (DOP) regions, and 43 Indicaciones Geográficas Protegidas (IGP) regions, known as Vino de la Tierra (VT).

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Categories

Vino de Pago (VP)

• Translation: Estate Wine  
• Number of Vino de Pago Wine Regions: 24  
• Definition: Wines produced from a single estate with unique soil and climate conditions that distinguish them from surrounding areas. The estate name is traditionally linked to the wine.
• Vino de Pago Calificado (VPC): Qualified Estate Wine. An elevated category of VP for wines produced within a DOCa region, meeting both DOCa and VP standards. The estate must be entirely within the DOCa region.

Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) / Denominació d’Origen Qualificada (DOQ)

• Translation: Qualified Designation of Origin  
• Number of DOCa/DOQ Wine Regions: 2  
• Definition: A higher level of DO, requiring wines to have maintained DO status for at least ten years and be bottled within the region. These wines must adhere to strict quality controls. For example, Cava, a renowned Spanish sparkling wine, often comes from the DOCa region of Catalonia.

Denominación de Origen (DO)

• Translation: Designation of Origin  
• Number of DO Wine Regions: 68  
• Definition: A certification given to wines produced in a designated region, using grapes exclusively from that area. These wines are recognized for their high quality and regional prestige. The wine label for DO wines will clearly indicate the region, ensuring consumers of its authenticity.

Vino de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica (VC)

• Translation: Quality Wine with Geographical Indication  
• Number of Vino de Calidad Wine Regions: 7  
• Definition: A transitional classification for wines produced in a specific region, area, locality, or demarcated place, known for their distinct quality and reputation tied to geographic or human factors. This category is often a stepping stone for regions aiming to achieve DO status.

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

Vino de la Tierra (VT)
Translation: Country Wine  
Number of Vino de la Tierra Wine Regions: 43  
Definition: A designation for wines produced in a specific region, with at least 85% of the grapes sourced from that area. These wines are known for their regional character.

Explore Spanish Wine Regions

For those interested in experiencing Spanish wines firsthand, consider exploring the diverse wine regions across the country. From the Basque Country to the Balearic Islands and the volcanic soils of Islas Canarias, Spain’s wine regions offer a wealth of flavors and traditions waiting to be discovered.

List of Spain’s wine regions and their wine classification

Do not forget what each term means:

• DOCa: Denominación de Origen Calificada. Or DOQ in Catalan: Denominació d’Origen Qualificada.
• DO: Denominación de Origen.
• VP: Vino de Pago.
• VC: Vino de Calidad.
• VT: Vino de la Tierra.

Tips for Wine Tours and Label Understanding

When embarking on a wine tour in Spain, it’s beneficial to understand the Spanish wine label. These labels provide crucial information about the wine’s classification, region of origin, and the consejo regulador responsible for its quality. Whether you’re tasting a robust red wine from Rioja or a crisp white from the Basque Country, the label will guide you in appreciating the wine’s heritage and production standards. Additionally, tours often include visits to vineyards and bodegas, where you can learn firsthand about the wine production process and the importance of the Spanish wine classification system in maintaining high-quality standards.

By exploring and understanding the Spanish wine classification system, you not only enhance your wine knowledge but also support the rich cultural heritage and production methods that define Spanish wines. Cheers to your next Spanish wine adventure!

Before We Finish

Spain’s wine classification system not only ensures the quality and authenticity of its wines but also celebrates the rich diversity of its wine regions. However, it is important to remember that good wines and wineries can be found at each level of Spain’s wine classification system.

From the prestigious DOCa wines of Rioja and Priorat to the distinctive Vino de Pago estates and the wines of the IGPs, each classification highlights the unique characteristics that make Spanish wines celebrated worldwide. Whether you’re exploring the Spanish sparkling wines of Cava or the robust red wines of Castilla, understanding these classifications will enhance your appreciation of Spanish wine.

Sources

1. European Commission. “Geographical Indications and Quality Schemes.” Official website providing comprehensive information about the EU’s geographical indications and quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs. Accessed May, 2024. https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu.
2. Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Official government portal offering comprehensive insights into agricultural policies, regional agricultural data, and viticulture regulations in Spain. Accessed May, 2024. https://www.mapa.gob.es/.