CONCLUSIONS II WORLD RIOJA WINE FORUM III MILLENNIUM

The II WORLD RIOJA WINE FORUM III MILLENNIUM in the region of La Rioja has had excellent participation from the point of view of both the conferences, which were of the highest standard, and the speakers and members. Indeed, in this, its second edition, the wine forum has seen its consolidation as a meeting point for the entire sector as well as a setting in which to debate the problems, solutions and trends in the production of quality wines. Among others, the leading conclusions reached have been the following:

Firstly, grape quality is becoming the basis for and protagonist in the future development of quality wines. In fact, now, after having reached current levels with regard to technology and technical know-how, progress in the production of quality grapes has become fundamental. This involves efforts from both winegrowing and producers so that they may both adapt and evolve.

European wine-production countries in general and the Mediterranean countries in particular also have a wide selection of varieties. This variety affords significant possibilities in making quality wines that are noticeably different from each other, based on the interaction between the physical medium in which the crop grows and the diversity of grape varieties. To the contrary, in emerging countries, we find greater uniformity in the varieties used which, although the way in which the sector is developing is interesting, might lead to a loss of opportunities based on the wealth of diversity and uniqueness.

Thirdly, the European strength should base itself on said differentiation possibilities. We must base ourselves on making the most of the minority and/or autochthonous varieties, which, despite their being poorly considered and valued on the current winegrowing stage, are capable of providing wines with sufficient distinguishing characteristics as to make them unique and unrepeatable. In short, we should aim to extract the maximum potential from the grape to achieve the maximum expression of quality in the wine.

Furthermore, technology must be accepted, since not all oenological practices provide quality to the product obtained. However, it must be based on a clearly defined ethical reference, since, after all is said and done, we are speaking about a foodstuff product and we must ensure safety and traceability for the consumer.
As for the winemaking process, we must take a more detailed look at the transformation process: it must be aimed at the minimum possible intervention on the raw material and favour the processes that affect the aroma, colour and other organoleptic features in a positive and natural way.

On its part, it is expected that the application of the new winemaking OCM will revitalise the sector to increase the protection of the Designation of Origin culture and the defence of the Geographical Indications. Indeed, the quality distinctions must continue to be a fundamental axis line for the commercial policy of the European Union in its negotiations with both other wine-producing countries and those that are entirely wine consumer-countries.

The recent sentence pronounced by the Court of Luxemburg regarding bottling at source is also considered highly positive. This sentence is a clear development factor for quality winemaking areas. Qualitatively speaking, it is an important step forward regarding the foundations on which the philosophy behind the entire Community Agricultural Policy is based and represents an increase in the guarantees offered to the consumer by a Designation of Origin.

It is also estimated that trade globalisation will lead to greater competition between production from different origins. In any case, international agreements must be reached to promote the recognition of winemaking and oenological practices at world level, as well as the copyright of the names and definitions used historically.

Another conclusion reached by this forum has focused on the respect for the environment with regard to sustainable practices in crop-growing and winemaking. In the near future, said practices may lead to significant differences in the competitive position of each wine. Similarly, we must not forget the trade and distribution possibilities offered by new technologies: they are of sufficient importance so as not to leave them to one side.

Finally, the forum has presented new sources of finance as well as other more classic sources not usually used by the winemaking sector, which will enable industrial development for the small and medium-sized enterprise. This will favour new transformation process projects as well as the implantation of new commercial networks.

These have been the main conclusions reached during the II World Wine Forum. I would like to thank you for being at this edition and invite you to the next one in 2002.