What do you think when you hear La Rioja?
It is an autonomous province in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, its capital is Logroño and it is divided in different districts, it is well-known for its wines and gastronomy ...
That is true, but what happens when we write "La Rioja" on Google? Hundreds of photos of the community appear, and suddenly we see this:
It is an autonomous province in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, its capital is Logroño and it is divided in different districts, it is well-known for its wines and gastronomy ...
That is true, but what happens when we write "La Rioja" on Google? Hundreds of photos of the community appear, and suddenly we see this:
No, La Rioja is not next to Chile, and borders the province of Catamarca... it is the province of La Rioja in Argentina, located in the northwest area of the country, its main economic activity is agriculture with the production of wine and olive oil.
And this is where the confusion begins.
In 2012, La Rioja (Argentina) wanted to use the name "La Rioja" for its wines, to this fact, the Government of La Rioja (Spain) and the Apellation Origin DOCa Rioja began a legal battle both in Argentine courts and the European Commission to avoid this duplication of names.
The use of "La Rioja" by Argentina would create an unfair competition, taking advantage of the fame and recognition of Spanish wines, plus, it would create confusion for the consumers.
And this is where the confusion begins.
In 2012, La Rioja (Argentina) wanted to use the name "La Rioja" for its wines, to this fact, the Government of La Rioja (Spain) and the Apellation Origin DOCa Rioja began a legal battle both in Argentine courts and the European Commission to avoid this duplication of names.
The use of "La Rioja" by Argentina would create an unfair competition, taking advantage of the fame and recognition of Spanish wines, plus, it would create confusion for the consumers.
Wine is much more than vineyards, winemakers or stories.
Soraya Meinema
