COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

(Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143)

‘ Rueda ’

PDO-ES-A0889-AM05 – 13.5.2025

1.   Name of product

‘Rueda’

2.   Geographical indication type

☒ Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

☐ Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

☐ Geographical indication (GI)

3.   Sector

☐ Agricultural products

☒ Wines

☐ Spirit drinks

4.   Country to which the geographical area belongs

Spain

5.   Member State authority communicating the standard amendment

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Directorate-General for Food. Subdirectorate-General for Food Quality Control and Agri-Food Laboratories

6.   Qualification as standard amendment

The amendments do not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council on geographical indications.

7.   Description of the approved standard amendment(s)

1.   CHANGE IN THE ORGANOLEPTIC DESCRIPTION OF THE WHITE WINE

Description:

The colour of the white wine has been changed from ‘pale yellow to straw yellow’ to ‘pale yellow to amber’. For white wines fermented in barrels or aged, the words ‘On the nose, aromas denoting the time spent in the barrel will appear. In terms of taste, the flavour will be intense’ have been replaced by the words ‘In terms of smell, aromas denoting the time spent in the barrel will appear and/or in terms of taste, the flavour will be intense’.

This amendment affects point 2.2 of the product specification and point 4 of the single document.

This amendment would not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council on geographical indications.

Reason:

This amendment is an adaptation to the wines being produced in the region with regard to the potential and versatility of the Verdejo grapes, without this being in any way due to a defect in the wine.

2.   CHANGE IN THE RESTRICTIONS FOR MAKING THE WHITE WINE

Description:

Previously at least 50 % of the white grapes used to make the white wine had to be considered main varieties, and now at least 75 % of these grapes have to be main varieties.

This amendment concerns point 3.c of the product specification and point 5 of the single document.

This is a standard amendment as the main characteristics of the product are unchanged and the link is not affected. It actually enhances the specific characteristics of the indigenous varieties that define the profile of the wines covered by the PDO. This amendment would not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council on geographical indications.

Reason:

Since the list of permitted varieties has been expanded to allow the wines made for some time by the wineries in the region to be included, it is considered necessary to increase the minimum amount of the main varieties necessary in order to preserve the specific characteristics of the PDO wines.

3.   CHANGES IN VARIETIES

Description:

Introduction of new varieties. White varieties introduced: Riesling, Garnacha Blanca, Moscatel de grano menudo, Moscatel de Alejandría and Gewürztraminer. Red varieties introduced: Cenicienta and Bruñal.

Chardonnay, Viognier and Cenicienta are now also considered to be main varieties.

This amendment affects point 6 of the product specification and point 7 of the single document.

This is a standard amendment, as it does not change the specific and distinguishing characteristics of the Rueda PDO wine described in the link. This amendment would not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council on geographical indications.

Reason:

The Rueda PDO’s panel of tasters conducted blind tastings of the main white varieties included and tastings comparing them with others produced in other first-class wine-producing regions. The conclusions were very satisfactory from a qualitative point of view. The region’s culture of producing and specialising in white varieties and the fact that these varieties have already been grown in Rueda for many years have allowed producers to develop top-notch wines with the proposed varieties.

The Cenicienta variety is a red grape recently added to the list of authorised wine grape varieties for Castile and Leon (Resolution of 5 March 2024 and published in the Official Journal of Castile and Leon on 10 May 2024), which is the result of a research project on indigenous varieties undertaken by the Castile-Leon Agrarian Technological Institute (Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León – ITACyL). The experimental products this body developed, which have been presented to major world-class experts in various tastings, have demonstrated the unique nature and character of a grape discovered in, and native to, the Rueda region.

The new secondary varieties introduced are grapes that have already been grown in the area covered by the PDO for many years with great results and that have been used in wines produced by wineries not covered by the PDO. As in the case for wines made from the varieties previously classed as secondary that we now propose be classed as main varieties, wines made with the new proposed secondary varieties have been submitted for blind tasting to the tasting panel for the designation of origin formed with tasters selected randomly from among its members. The tasting was conducted using the organoleptic descriptors laid down in the current specification for the Rueda PDO and the results were very satisfactory. Accordingly, it can be concluded that these varieties can be used to make wines that retain the characteristic profile of the Rueda PDO wines.

4.   CHANGES IN THE MAXIMUM YIELDS

Description:

The maximum yields for grapes and wine produced per hectare have been specified for each of the new white varieties introduced.

This amendment affects point 5 of the product specification and point 5 of the single document.

This is a standard amendment, as it does not change the specific and distinguishing characteristics of the Rueda PDO wine described in the link. This amendment would not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council on geographical indications.

Reason:

The section on yields has to be amended to add the new varieties included, while retaining the maximum limits laid down for varieties in the area in line with the local potential for producing wines with the characteristics and requirements laid down in the specification for the Rueda PDO.

5.   UPDATING OF RULES

Description:

The reference to the rules regarding the Rueda PDO regulation and its regulatory board has been updated.

This amendment concerns Section 8.a of the product specification. The single document is not affected.

This amendment would not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council on geographical indications.

Reason:

The amendment of the product specification provides an opportunity to update this.

6.   CHANGES TO THE LABELLING TERMS

Description:

The traditional term ‘Vino Generoso’ and the term ‘Gran Vino de Rueda’ have been added to the terms that can be used on the labels, along with their respective conditions for use. The reference to be made to the smaller geographical units (municipalities) has been changed from ‘Vino de Pueblo’ to ‘Vino de’.

Point 8.b.3 of the product specification and point 9 of the single document have been amended.

This amendment would not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council on geographical indications.

Reason:

Although the product specification already allowed the use of the traditional term ‘Vino Generoso’ for liqueur wines of the ‘Pálido’ and ‘Dorado’ type, the approval of the recent amendment to this traditional term (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/217 of 11 January 2024) has been taken as an opportunity to introduce a reference to this traditional term and its new conditions for use in the section covering the terms that can be used on the label.

The labelling includes a new type of product, namely ‘Gran Vino de Rueda’, which is adapted to both the potential of Verdejo grapes recognised by the wine world’s leaders and influencers, and to the new global gastronomic trends that increasingly demand this type of product with greater added value.

Finally, it is necessary to delete the word ‘Pueblo’ from the ‘Vino de Pueblo’ term, so it can indicate the smaller geographical unit that it refers to, without the word ‘pueblo’ being redundant.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Rueda

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

1.

Wine

3.

Liqueur wine

5.

Quality sparkling wine

3.1.   Combined Nomenclature code

—	22 – BEVERAGES, SPIRITS AND VINEGAR 2204 – Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must, other than that of heading 2009

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   WHITE WINE

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Appearance: Pale yellow to amber in colour with golden or greenish tones. Clear.

Aroma: Expressive. Of medium intensity, with fruity and/or floral and/or herbaceous primary aromas predominating.

Taste: Round, fresh, medium to high intensity body.

In white wines fermented in barrels or aged, the organoleptic properties will depend on the wine-making process. In terms of appearance, the colours may be more intense (medium to high intensity). In terms of smell, aromas denoting the time spent in the barrel will appear and/or in terms of taste, the flavour will be intense, with expressive tannins and a finish that is reminiscent of the tertiary aromas.

*	For limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.

*	Maximum volatile acidity. In the case of white wines fermented and/or aged in the barrel, volatile acidity must not exceed 1 g/l expressed as acetic acid.

General analytical characteristics

—	Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume): —

—	Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume): 11

—	Minimum total acidity: 4,7 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

—	Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre): 10,83

—	Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre): 180

2.   RED WINE UP TO ONE YEAR OLD

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Appearance: Ruby red to cherry red in colour with violet tones. Clear.

Aroma: Of medium intensity, with primary aromas of black and/or red fruit predominating.

Taste: Round, light to high intensity.

*	For limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.

General analytical characteristics

—	Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume): —

—	Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume): 12

—	Minimum total acidity: 4 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

—	Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre): 11,67

—	Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre): 150

3.   RED WINES OVER ONE YEAR OLD (BARREL-AGED)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Appearance: Ruby red to cherry red in colour. Clear.

Aroma: Medium to high intensity. These wines can feature primary aromas, secondary aromas (yeasty and/or bready) and tertiary aromas from being aged in oak.

Taste: Round, finish reminiscent of ageing in oak.

*	Maximum volatile acidity. (meq/l).13,33 up to 10 oAlc + 0,06 g/l for each degree in alcoholic strength over 10.

*	For limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.

General analytical characteristics

—	Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume): —

—	Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume): 12

—	Minimum total acidity: 4 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

—	Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre): 13,33

—	Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre): 150

4.   LIQUEUR WINE – Dorado

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Appearance: Golden yellow or golden in colour. Clear.

Aroma: High intensity. The secondary aromas (bready, yeasty) are maintained along with tertiary aromas provided by the wood, such as toasted and/or smoky and/or spicy aromas or nutty aromas.

Taste: Balanced on the palate, unctuous (medium to high intensity) with a finish reminiscent of the tertiary aromas (dried fruits and/or toasted and/or spicy underlying notes).

*	For limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.

General analytical characteristics

—	Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume): —

—	Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume): 15

—	Minimum total acidity: 4 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

—	Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre): —

—	Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre): 150

5.   LIQUEUR WINE – Pálido

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Appearance: Straw yellow to pale golden in colour. Clear.

Aroma: High intensity. The secondary and tertiary aromas provided by the biological ageing stage are maintained (almonds and/or baker’s yeast and/or spicy notes).

Taste: Balanced on the palate, unctuous and with a finish that is reminiscent of the aromas acquired in biological ageing.

*	For limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.

General analytical characteristics

—	Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume): —

—	Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume): 15

—	Minimum total acidity: 4 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

—	Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre): —

—	Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre): 150

6.   QUALITY SPARKLING WINE, white and rosé

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Appearance: Clear. Fine bubbles with medium to long finish.

Aroma: The primary (floral and/or fruity) and secondary (bready and/or yeasty) aromas predominate. Expressive and of medium to high intensity.

Taste: Balanced on the palate. Fresh, with well-integrated carbon dioxide (bubbles), slightly reminiscent of secondary aromas (bready and toasted). Expressive and of light to high intensity.

*	For limits that have not been specified, the legislation in force must be complied with.

General analytical characteristics

—	Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume): —

—	Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume): 9,5

—	Minimum total acidity: 4,7 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

—	Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre): 0,65

—	Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre): 180

5.   Winemaking practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Minimum planting density for new plantings

Cultivation method

Vineyards producing grapes to be used in making wine covered by the ‘Rueda’ PDO planted from 2019 onwards must have a minimum planting density of 1 100 vines per hectare.

2.   Conditions of production – strength of grapes

Specific oenological practice

The minimum potential alcoholic strength by volume of each batch harvested is 12 % by volume for red varieties and 10,5 % by volume for white varieties.

In the case of grapes intended for making quality sparkling wines, a potential minimum alcoholic strength of 9,5 % by volume will be allowed. These grapes must not be used to make other types of wine.

3.   Extraction yield

Specific oenological practice

The maximum overall extraction yield will be 72 litres per 100 kg of grapes.

4.   Ageing conditions

Specific oenological practice

1 –

In the case of wines bearing the term ‘FERMENTADO EN BARRICA’ (fermented in barrels), oak barrels must be used for both the fermentation and the ageing on the lees.

2 –

‘Vino Dorado’ (golden wine) must undergo a process of maturing and oxidative ageing lasting at least four years and the wine must remain in oak containers for at least the two years prior to its placement on the market.

3 –

‘Vino Pálido’ (pale wine) must be obtained by biological ageing and the wine must remain in oak barrels for at least the three years prior to its placement on the market.

5.   Relevant restriction on making the wines

White wine, made with white grapes of which at least 75 % are considered to be main varieties.

Quality sparkling wine, made with grapes of which at least 75 % are considered to be main varieties.

‘Vino Dorado’, dry liqueur wine made from the Palomino Fino and/or Verdejo authorised varieties.

Pale wine, dry liqueur wine made from the Palomino Fino and/or Verdejo authorised varieties.

Rosé wine must be made with grapes of which at least 50 % are authorised red varieties.

Red wine must be made exclusively from the authorised red varieties.

5.2.   Maximum yields

1.	Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Garnacha Blanca, Moscatel de grano menudo, Moscatel de Alejandría and Gewürztraminer, trellised; and Viura and Palomino fino (low vines – gobelet-trained) 10 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare 72 hectolitres per hectare

2.	Viura (trellised) 12 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare 86,40 hectolitres per hectare

3.	Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Garnacha Blanca, Moscatel de grano menudo, Moscatel de Alejandría and Gewürztraminer, (low vines – gobelet-trained) 8 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare 57,60 hectolitres per hectare

4.	Red grape varieties 7 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare 50,40 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

1. – The production area for the ‘Rueda’ PDO is located in the south of the province of Valladolid. It partially enters the west of the province of Segovia and the north of Ávila. The municipalities that make up the production area are as follows: Province of Valladolid: Aguasal, Alaejos, Alcazarén, Almenara de Adaja, Ataquines, Bobadilla del Campo, Bocigas, Brahojos de Medina, Carpio del Campo, Castrejón, Castronuño, Cervillego de la Cruz, El Campillo, Fresno el Viejo, Fuente el Sol, Fuente Olmedo, Gomeznarro, Hornillos, La Seca, La Zarza, Lomoviejo, Llano de Olmedo, Matapozuelos, Medina del Campo, Mojados, Moraleja de las Panaderas, Muriel, Nava del Rey, Nueva Villa de las Torres, Olmedo, Pollos, Pozal de Gallinas, Pozaldez, Puras, Ramiro, Rodilana, Rubí de Bracamonte, Rueda, Salvador de Zapardiel, San Pablo de la Moraleja, San Vicente del Palacio, Serrada, Sieteiglesias de Trabancos, Tordesillas, Torrecilla de la Abadesa, Torrecilla de la Orden, Torrecilla del Valle, Valdestillas, Velascálvaro, Ventosa de la Cuesta, Villafranca del Duero, Villanueva del Duero and Villaverde de Medina. Province of Ávila: Blasconuño de Matacabras, Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Órbita (cadastral polygons 1, 2, 4 and 5) and Palacios de Goda (cadastral polygons 14, 17, 18, 19 and 20). Province of Segovia: Aldeanueva del Codonal, Aldehuela del Codonal, Bernuy de Coca, Codorniz, Coca (polygon 7, belonging to the district of Villagonzalo de Coca) Donhierro, Fuentes de Santa Cruz, Juarros de Voltoya, Montejo de Arévalo, Montuenga, Moraleja de Coca, Nava de la Asunción, Nieva, Rapariegos, San Cristóbal de la Vega, Santiuste de San Juan Bautista and Tolocirio. 2. – The ageing area for wines covered by the ‘Rueda’ PDO is exactly the same as the production area.

7.   Wine grape variety(ies)

BRUÑAL – ALBARÍN TINTO

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

CENICIENTA

CHARDONNAY

GARNACHA BLANCA

GARNACHA TINTA

GEWÜRZTRAMINER

MACABEO – VIURA

MERLOT

MOSCATEL DE ALEJANDRÍA

MOSCATEL DE GRANO MENUDO

PALOMINO FINO – LISTÁN BLANCO

RIESLING

SAUVIGNON BLANC

SYRAH

TEMPRANILLO

VERDEJO

VIOGNIER

8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.   WINE

The continental/Mediterranean climate (major contrasts in temperature with long, cold winters, late frosts and hot, dry summers), soil (typically gravelly or stony soils that prevent evapotranspiration and enable maximum solar irradiation) and the native variety (Verdejo) are all key factors in achieving the characteristic personality of these wines: the Verdejo variety gives this area’s white wines their distinctive acidity, mouthfeel and aromatic profile. Given the excellent ripeness of the grapes, the reds are aromatic, balanced and well-structured.

8.2.   LIQUEUR WINE

These wines have been made in the area since ancient times: aged ‘vino generoso’ made in underground wine cellars and aged in large barrels and containers with a view to achieving the colour and aroma that are the hallmarks of oxidative ageing. These wines that undergo oxidative ageing are the last trace of the traditional wine-making methods in the area and they must be preserved on account of their uniqueness and quality.

8.3.   QUALITY SPARKLING WINE

The unique features of the native Verdejo variety (exceptional acidity, aromatic profile and good mouthfeel) encouraged wine-makers in the area to make sparkling wines. The result are wines of excellent quality in which the characteristics of the varieties are perfectly enhanced by the properties acquired in the traditional method.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Packaging requirements

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Packaging within the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The wine-making process includes bottling and ageing in the bottle, and thus the organoleptic characteristics described in this product specification can only be guaranteed if all of the wine handling operations take place in the production area. Therefore, with a view to safeguarding quality, guaranteeing provenance and ensuring controls, and bearing in mind that the bottling of wines covered by the ‘Rueda’ PDO is one of the critical points in obtaining the characteristics defined in this product specification, this operation must be carried out at wineries located at the bottling plants within the production area.

Compulsory particulars

Legal framework:

EU law

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The geographical name ‘Rueda’ followed by the term ‘Denominación de Origen Protegida’ (Protected Designation of Origin) and/or the initials ‘DOP’ (PDO) or the traditional term ‘Denominación de Origen’ (Designation of Origin) which replaces ‘DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida)’ (PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) must be included and appear prominently on the labelling.

The year of the harvest must be indicated, except in the case of the following types of wines: Dorado, Pálido and quality sparkling (white and rosé).

In quality sparkling wines, the wine-making method must be indicated.

Optional particulars

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

—	The traditional terms ‘CRIANZA’, ‘RESERVA’ and ‘GRAN RESERVA’, according to the conditions set out in the specific standards and rules, as well as in the applicable legislation.

—	The reference to the wine-making method: ‘ROBLE’ (OAK) and ‘FERMENTADO EN BARRICA’ (BARREL-AGED), according to the conditions set out in the specific standards and rules, as well as in the rest of the applicable legislation.

—	The traditional terms ‘DORADO’ (GOLDEN) and ‘PÁLIDO’ (PALE) only for the wine types thus defined, and according to the conditions set out in the specific standards and rules, as well as in the rest of the applicable legislation.

—	The traditional term ‘VINO GENEROSO’ in line with the conditions for its use.

—	The term ‘GRAN VINO DE RUEDA’ for wines that meet the conditions laid down for its use.

Mandatory particulars (smaller geographical units)

Legal framework:

For an organisation that manages PDOs/PGIs, when thus provided for by Member States.

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The name of a geographical unit smaller than those listed in section 4 of this product specification (municipalities) may be used along with the term ‘Vino de’ (wine from), as long as 85 % of the grapes used to make the protected wine have been sourced from parcels located within the relevant municipality.

Link to the product specification

https://www.itacyl.es/documents/20143/342640/PCC+DOP+RUEDA_Rev+4.1.pdf/1f9d4b81-88a1-6edb-5a5b-ddaf6e16edb4?t=1730195765157

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(1)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27 of 30 October 2024 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council with rules concerning the registration and the protection of geographical indications, traditional specialities guaranteed and optional quality terms and repealing Delegated Regulation (EU) No 664/2014 (OJ L, 2025/27, 15.1.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2025/27/oj).