Rioja and Beaujolais think smaller is better

Rioja has announced the creation of new Single Vineyards or vinedos singularies classification as part of its DOCa regulations. They hope that the new single vineyard wines will help highlight the origin of their wines. Ultimately Rioja would like to create a hierarchy of villages and sub zones according to Telmo Rodriguez of Remelluri. But Rioja is not the only place looking to increase the distinctiveness of its region. Beaujolais is also trying to identify the key climates and geological features that may be used to elevate some of the current Beaujolais Cru to Premier Cru status.