40 producers from Rioja Alavesa try to break away from Rioja

Rioja Alavesa producers claim to be disappointed with the Rioja DOCa and plan to great a new Viñedos de Álava DO.

In 2016 a group of producers planned on leaving the Rioja DOCa, but were convinced to delay their action with the promise of change within. However, a lack of progress has encouraged the producers to re-start efforts.

Rioja Alavesa is smallest of the three Rioja sub zones, the other two include the warmer and drier Rioja Baja and larger Rioja Alta. Both Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta are in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains and typically 500-800m with some Atlantic ocean weather.