Rioja claims industry first

Nine Rioja producers have achieved the highest levels of natural resveratrol ever recorded in wine.

Resveratrol, a polyphenol which has been associated with health benefits, reached 25.6 mg/l, in the wines, 79% higher than the previous highest content recorded at 14.3 mg/l.

The wineries were taking part in a €800,000 research and development project funded by local government. The programme included Bodegas Bilba¨ªnas, Bodegas Dinast¨ªa Vivanco, Bodegas Viña Hermosa, Bodegas Juan Alcorta, Marqu¨¦s de Murrieta, Bodegas Ontañ¨®n, Bodegas Patrocinio, Regal¨ªa de Ollauri and Bodegas Riojanas.
Vines were given special treatments during the 2008 growing season and during vinification.

It is anticipated that the first wines will be available for public consumption after the 2009 harvest