Reserva
Reserva is a legally defined ageing category in Spanish wine, applied to both red and white wines under the national wine regulations. It indicates a minimum period of maturation in barrel and bottle before release, distinguishing it from Crianza and Gran Reserva.[1]
Background
The Reserva category was established in Spanish wine law in the 20th century as part of a tiered system to communicate wine maturity to consumers. It is most strongly associated with classic regions such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero, but the term is regulated across all Denominaciones de Origen (DO) and Denominaciones de Origen Calificadas (DOCa).[2]
Legal Requirements
According to Spanish law:
- Red Reserva wines must be aged for a minimum of three years, including at least one year in oak barrels.
- White and rosado Reserva wines must be aged for at least two years, with a minimum of six months in oak.[3]
These requirements represent the minimum standard; many producers choose to exceed them, particularly in prestigious appellations.
Role in Spanish Winemaking
In Rioja, Reserva wines occupy a middle ground between the more youthful Crianza and the longer-aged Gran Reserva. They are expected to combine fruit expression with notable development of secondary aromas from oak and bottle ageing, often showing spice, leather, and dried fruit characteristics.[4]
While traditionally dominated by Tempranillo, the Reserva category can apply to a range of authorised grape varieties across Spain. The style and profile of Reserva wines vary significantly between regions, reflecting local grapes, climates, and winemaking practices.
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015 (entry: reserva). ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ MAPA, “Categorías de envejecimiento del vino en España (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva)”. https://www.mapa.gob.es
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019 (Spain—ageing categories overview). ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Consejo Regulador DOCa Rioja, “Indicaciones de envejecimiento: Reserva”. https://www.riojawine.com