The Regulatory Board of the Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOC) Rioja is the entity responsible for the preservation, promotion and control of the wines protected by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja, as well as the defense and enhancement of the DOC Rioja name. One of its main goals is to achieve the excellence and authenticity of its wines, which are a reflection of the great diversity of the Rioja terroir.
In order to fulfill its mission and goals, this Regulatory Board of the Rioja DOC has some key objectives, which are:
- Promotion and Quality Control: One of the primary objectives of the DOC Rioja is to foster and rigorously control the quality of the wines produced under its name. This ensures that every bottle echoing the name 'Rioja' meets a gold standard of quality and authenticity.
- Defending Sector Interests: Acting as a shield, the council works diligently to defend the interests of the wine sector within the region. This includes everything from ensuring fair practices to safeguarding the reputation of the Rioja brand globally.
- Service to Farmers and Wineries: At its core, the Regulatory Council serves the farmers and registered wineries of the Rioja region. These entities play a pivotal role in determining the composition of the council's governing bodies, which are entrusted with managing the Denomination's activities and policies.
- Collaboration on Regulatory Control: In tandem with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Environment, the council devises specific regulations applicable to Rioja wines. These regulations are crafted based on the directives from both the European Union and national legislation.
In addition, it has some key functions for the promotion and development of Rioja producers and their wines. These are:
- Maintaining a Registry: A comprehensive record of vineyards and wineries is meticulously maintained to ensure that every entity operating under the DOC Rioja is accounted for.
- Determining Best Practices: The council actively delineates cultivation and wine production practices. The driving principle behind these guidelines is always the pursuit of the highest possible quality.
- Annual Harvest Guidelines: Every year, the council establishes 'Normas de Campaña' or Harvest Standards, setting the rules and procedures to be followed during the grape harvest season.
- Verifying Wine Quality: Post the harvest, the council takes on the responsibility of verifying the suitability of the wines produced. This process ensures that wines align with the quality benchmarks set by the denomination.
- Ongoing Wine Monitoring: The council's oversight doesn't end once the wines are produced. It continues to monitor the evolution of wines, ensuring that their quality remains consistent even after they hit the market.
- Defending the Rioja Brand: The Rioja name is more than just a denomination; it's a legacy. The council ardently defends the 'Rioja' brand, ensuring it's used correctly and its reputation remains untarnished worldwide.
