Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of September 15, 2026, from the Catalan Institute of Wine and Viticulture (INCAVI), which favorably resolves the normal modification of the specifications of the DOP Montsant |
|---|---|
| Publication | October 6, 2026 |
| Entry into force | October 6, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Producers, wineries and operators covered by DOP Montsant (Catalonia) |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries — Viticulture |
| Legal framework | Law 2/2020 on viticulture and Royal Decree 1335/2011 |
| Appeal deadline | One month from publication in the DOGC (appeal to the president of INCAVI) |
| Next institutional step | Submission of the file to the Ministry of Agriculture for sending to the European Commission |
Producers and wineries of DOP Montsant have an immediate obligation: review the new specifications and verify that their current practices remain compliant. The Resolution of September 15, 2026 from the Catalan Institute of Wine and Viticulture (INCAVI) approves the normal modification of the specifications after a two-month opposition period without objections, confirming that the modification did not generate controversy in the sector but does not exempt operators from adapting.
The resolution is applicable immediately from its publication in the DOGC on October 6, 2026, and the complete file will be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture for subsequent submission to the European Commission, following the procedure established in the Law 2/2020 on viticulture and Royal Decree 1335/2011.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution approves a normal modification of the specifications of the Protected Designation of Origin Montsant. Within the framework of viticulture regulations, a "normal modification" is one that affects substantial elements of the specifications—such as authorized grape varieties, geographic area, yields, oenological practices or product characteristics—and therefore requires a formal procedure with a public opposition period.
The process followed has been as follows:
- A two-month opposition period was opened during which any operator or interested party could submit objections.
- After that period without objections, INCAVI favorably resolved the modification.
- The resolution requires publishing the modified specifications on the INCAVI website, where it is already available for consultation.
- The complete file will be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture, which will send it to the European Commission for final registration.
The specific content of the changes introduced in the specifications—varieties, yields, practices or other technical elements—is available in the full text published on the INCAVI website. The resolution does not publicly detail each specific modification, but its approval without opposition indicates that the sector was previously consulted.
Economic and operational impact
The direct impact for DOP Montsant wineries and producers is operational and compliance-related. No new fees or economic sanctions are established in this resolution, but non-compliance with the new specifications can have serious consequences:
- Loss of the right to use the protection of DOP Montsant if production practices do not conform to the new specifications.
- Problems in audits and certifications of the designation, which can block the marketing of wines under the DOP seal.
- Risk in exports, especially to European and non-EU markets where DOP certification is a requirement for market access or premium pricing.
From the perspective of the European process, the submission of the file to the European Commission means that the modification will enter a period of publication and possible opposition at European level. During that period, operators from other member states could submit objections. This does not paralyze the application of the new specifications at the national level, but it is advisable to follow the process to detect any possible last-minute changes.
Who does it affect?
- Wineries registered in DOP Montsant that produce wines protected by the designation.
- Grape growers and producers who supply raw materials to DOP Montsant wineries.
- Operators and marketers of wines with the DOP Montsant label.
- Technical advisors and oenologists who work with wineries of this designation and must update their recommendations to the new specifications.
- Exporters of DOP Montsant wines who need to maintain current certification to access international markets.
Practical example
A DOP Montsant winery that currently produces wines following the previous specifications must, from October 6, 2026, operate in accordance with the new specifications approved by INCAVI.
Suppose the new specifications introduce changes in authorized grape varieties or maximum yields per hectare. If that winery has grape purchase contracts with growers based on the conditions of the previous specifications, it will need to review whether those contracts remain valid under the new framework. Similarly, if it has a certification audit scheduled in the coming months, the auditor will already apply the criteria of the new specifications, not the previous one.
The first concrete step is to download the updated specifications from the INCAVI website and compare it with the previous specifications to identify exactly what has changed and what adjustments are necessary in the winery, vineyard or documentation.
What should companies do now?
- Download the new specifications from the official INCAVI website and compare it with the previous version to identify the specific changes that affect your operations.
- Review current production practices (varieties, yields, oenological practices, labeling) to verify that they remain compliant with the new specifications.
- Update contracts with growers and suppliers if the changes in the specifications affect the agreed conditions (varieties, yields, qualities).
- Inform the technical team and oenologists of the content of the new specifications so they apply the new criteria in the next harvest and production.
- Evaluate whether to file an appeal with the president of INCAVI within one month from publication in the DOGC (before November 6, 2026) if you believe that any aspect of the modification harms your interests.
- Follow the European process: once the file is submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and it sends it to the European Commission, there will be a European publication period. Stay informed in case additional changes occur.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I consult the new DOP Montsant specifications?
The modified specifications are available on the official INCAVI website (Institut Català de la Vinya i el Vi). The resolution of September 15, 2026 expressly requires publishing it there. You can also consult the complete resolution in the BOE: BOE-A-2026-20820.
From when is it mandatory to comply with the new DOP Montsant specifications?
From October 6, 2026, the date of publication of the resolution in the DOGC and its entry into force. There is no transitional period established in the resolution, so adaptation is immediate.
Can I appeal the modification of the DOP Montsant specifications?
Yes. An appeal to the president of INCAVI can be filed within one month from the publication of the resolution in the DOGC, that is, before approximately November 6, 2026. After that deadline, the resolution is final.
What happens if my winery does not adapt to the new DOP Montsant specifications?
Non-compliance with the specifications can result in the loss of the right to protect wines under DOP Montsant, with the consequent impact on marketing and brand value. Additionally, certification audits will already apply the criteria of the new specifications from its entry into force.
Does the modification of the DOP Montsant specifications require approval from the European Commission?
Yes. As it is a normal modification, the file must be submitted by INCAVI to the Ministry of Agriculture, which will send it to the European Commission for final registration. During that European process there may be an opposition period from third countries. However, the application of the new specifications at the national level is immediate from October 6, 2026.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-20820
