Rioja from 2026 with less alcohol and new categories - New: "Vendimia temprana" and partial de-alcoholization
Spain's Rioja region is loosening its rules from the 2026 vintage, allowing Classic Rioja wines to contain less alcohol and be partially de-alcoholized for the first time. The rules also introduce a new 'Vendimia temprana' (early harvest) category for younger Riojas. Interestingly, the aged categories—Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva—remain unchanged. This reflects the region's response to consumer demand for lower alcohol wines and the challenges of earlier harvests in warming climates.
Originally published by wein.plus
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