Was Rioja considered a good wine in 1925?

The provided text sources offer some evidence that Rioja was on its way to becoming a well-regarded wine region by 1925. The Consejo Regulador (Regulating Council) was created in 1926 with the objective of limiting the zones of production, expanding the warranty of the wine and controlling the use of the name "Rioja" . This suggests an effort to standardize and protect the quality and reputation of Rioja wine. The harvest rating for 1925 was "Muy Buena" (Very Good) , indicating that the grapes harvested that year were of high quality. By the early 20th century, Rioja had already established itself as the most recognizable name for Spanish wine outside of Spain . Also, in the early 20th century, labels sought to reassure consumers of the purity of the wine . However, there is also information suggesting that Rioja’s reputation as a top-tier wine may not have been fully established in 1925. The text notes that Rioja maintained a low-profile reputation and was seen as inferior to French wines until the mid-to-late 19th century . The Consejo Regulador, while created in 1926, was not legally structured until 1945 and fully inaugurated in 1953 , implying that quality control and regulation were still in early stages in 1925. Moreover, it was also found that the crop qualifications assigned by the Regulating Council since its founding in 1926 shows the harvest rating of "Mediana" (average) in 1926 and 1927 . The text also highlights that many Riojas of the late 19th and early 20th centuries were inspired by established French styles, mainly from Bordeaux but also from Burgundy, revealing some reliance on foreign winemaking ideals . The fact that some producers used the term "Spanish Burgundy" on labels also indicates that they considered the French wines to be superior . Many labels in the early 20th century were concerned with ensuring authenticity, as well as being "Vino de Mesa" (table wine), suggesting that not all wines were considered high quality at this time . Based on the available evidence, it is likely that Rioja was considered a "good" wine in 1925, especially compared to other Spanish wines, but its reputation was still evolving. The "Muy Buena" harvest rating and the creation of the Consejo Regulador suggest positive developments in quality and regulation. However, Rioja was still emerging from a period where it was seen as inferior to French wines , and its winemaking practices were heavily influenced by French styles . Overall, it would be accurate to say that Rioja was likely respected within Spain and gaining international recognition, but its reputation as a top-tier wine region was still developing and not yet fully cemented in 1925.