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Vino de Pago

Designation for a new wine quality level introduced in Spain in 2003 for privileged , origin-protected wine-growing areas. It was adopted by the Cortes Generales, the Spanish parliament, in order to improve the quality endeavours of Spanish viticulture. The quality requirements correspond at least to those of DOCa wines and form the top of the Spanish quality pyramid in viticulture. This corresponds roughly to the French term Grand Cru. Wines labelled as Vinos de Pago may not carry any other quality designation or indication of origin. Individual wineries can obtain this status under certain conditions.

This regulation has been particularly adopted in the Castilla-La Mancha region, where most areas are located. However, the level is not used in all regions. The Rioja region, for example, sees no need to create an even higher or additional quality level due to its own endeavours to achieve high quality standards.

Origin

Vino de Pago" is defined as an area of land with an edaphic character (soil-dependent, climatically determined vegetation). It must have its own microclimate that distinguishes it from its surroundings. The area must be traditionally known for producing special wine qualities. The name must have been used for at least five years as a designation for special wines. The conditions for Vino de Pago status must be defined by each autonomous region of Spain itself. The bodega must submit a formal application and document the required special features of the climate, soil types, vegetation cycle, etc. for five years.

Further regulations

A Vino de Pago area may not be the same size or larger than the municipality in which it is located. There must be a quality control system that at least fulfils the guidelines for DOCa. If the entire area is located within a DOCa, the designation "Vino de Pago Calificado" may be used if the defined DOCa requirements are at least fulfilled. This means that the area does not necessarily have to be within a DO or DOCa area. A Vino de Pago area can also consist of different, locally separated vineyards in one area, but they do not have to be connected. However, they should be close to the winery. The wines must be vinified separately from the others on the estate and the winemaking process must be clearly traceable. However, the quality level Vino de Pago must not be confused with the Spanish term Pago, which actually corresponds to the term single vineyard.

Vino de Pago areas

There are numerous individual vineyards in Spain that are defined as Pago but are not classified as Vino de Pago (but could be) and are marketed under the DO name, such as Ribera del Duero. The Vino de Pagos, on the other hand, are marketed as a separate DO/DOCa area. They are each the sole property of a winery. Dominio de Valdepusa was the first to be defined in Castile-La Mancha back in June 2002 at the instigation of the legendary Marqués de Griñón, whose real name is Carlos Falcó, and was only subsequently recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture a year later. The legal approval by the EU then took place in April 2004. In most cases, the name of the VdP area is identical to the name of the winery or part of it. There are a total of 23 areas classified as Vino de Pago:

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