Rioja

Rioja was the first Spanish wine region to obtain DO status in 1925. Rioja gained DOCa status in 1991, 66 years after it gained DO status.   DO = Designation of Origen (Denominación de Origen). A number of quality standards must be met for an appellation to gain DO status, including the use of authorised grape varieties, production levels, winemaking methods, and aging regimen.   DOCa = Qualified Designation of Origen (Denominación de Origen Calificada) This category represents the highest level for a wine appellation in Spain. The region must have had DO status for a minimum of 10 years. Wine must be produced and bottled within the region, and wines must cost at least double that of the national average for DO wines.