Características agronómicas y potencial enológico de las variedades de vid blancas autorizadas en la D.O.Ca Rioja

Abstract

In 2008 the D.O.Ca Rioja increased the number of white vine varieties authorized until then in order to improve the competitiveness of its white wines and to satisfy the market demand. In the present paper, the agronomic behaviour and the enological potential of nine authorized white vine varieties: Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía Riojana, Maturana Blanca, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo Blanco, Turruntés, Viura and Verdejo were studied. It has been confirmed notable agronomic and enological differences among varieties that may affect its adaptation to different grapevines areas and contribute to white winemaking diversification. The varieties Tempranillo Blanco and Maturana Blanca, with average production and high enological potential can be an alternative to differentiate the wines of this region against the homogenization given by the international varieties. Furthermore, Tempranillo Blanco has a remarkable name associated to the red grape variety from it belongs and to the D.O.Ca Rioja