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'''Denominación de Origen Calificada''' (DOCa, Spanish pronunciation: [denominaˈθjon de oˈrixen kalifiˈkaða]) is the highest quality classification within Spain’s system of [[Denominación de Origen (DO)]]. It designates [[wine regions]] recognised for consistent excellence, strict production standards, and long-established reputation.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>  

== Background ==  
The DOCa category was introduced in 1988 by Spanish wine law as a step above DO, inspired in part by the Italian model of [[Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)]].<ref>López-Balboa, ''Historia y evolución de las Denominaciones de Origen en España'', Editorial Agrícola Española, 2001.</ref> To qualify, a region must demonstrate at least ten years of recognised DO status, a history of premium [[wine production]], and controls that guarantee traceability from [[vineyard]] to bottle.<ref>Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA), “Denominaciones de Origen Calificadas (DOCa)”, mapa.gob.es.</ref>  

== Characteristics ==  
DOCa regulations impose stricter rules than those of standard DOs. These include:  
* [[Bottling]] must occur within the designated region, preventing bulk export of unfinished wine.  
* All wines must be subject to rigorous quality inspections and tasting panels.  
* Vineyard and winery practices are more tightly controlled, with lower maximum yields and higher minimum ageing requirements in some cases.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>  

These measures are designed to preserve typicity, ensure consistent quality, and protect the prestige of the classification.  

== Regions with DOCa status ==  
As of 2023, only two Spanish regions hold DOCa status:  

* '''[[Rioja]]''' – The first region to achieve DOCa recognition in 1991, renowned for its long tradition of oak-aged [[red wines]].<ref>Consejo Regulador DOCa Rioja, “La DOCa Rioja”, riojawine.com.</ref>  
* '''[[Priorat]]''' – Awarded DOCa status in 2009 (where the Catalan equivalent, DOQ – ''Denominació d’Origen Qualificada'' – is also used). Priorat is noted for its steep llicorella (slate) soils and powerful red wines based on [[Garnacha]] and [[Cariñena]].<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref>  

== Use in winemaking ==  
The DOCa framework provides international recognition of Spain’s most prestigious wines, signalling a benchmark of quality comparable to the highest classifications in other European countries. While only Rioja and Priorat currently hold DOCa status, several other DOs – such as [[Ribera del Duero]] and [[Rías Baixas]] – are sometimes cited as potential candidates for future elevation.<ref>López-Balboa, ''Historia y evolución de las Denominaciones de Origen en España'', Editorial Agrícola Española, 2001.</ref>  

== See also ==  
* [[Denominación de Origen]]  
* [[Rioja]]  
* [[Priorat]]  
* [[DOCG]]  

== References ==  
{{reflist}}  

[[Category:Wine classification]]  
[[Category:Spanish wine]]