c) Classification of Wines
The Quality Wines P.S.R. (in Spanish, VCPRD) are given specific names that describe the duration of the ageing period in these wooden casks, as established by each Denomination of Origin and Spanish law, which ensures the same standards in all the DOs.
These names are as follows:
Vino Joven (Young Wine): Also known as Vino del Año, this wine is put on the market immediately for sale. Therefore, it has either not undergone any barrel ageing, or has undergone a shorter period than that legally established for Crianza wines.
Vino de Crianza (Crianza wine): Red wines must have undergone at least two years of ageing, with a minimum of six months in wood barrels (some areas of the Rioja require twelve months rather than six), and are sold when three years old. Rosé and white wines must stay in the wine cellars for one year, six months of which must be in wooden barrels, and they are sold when in their second year.
Vino de Reserva: Red wines of this type must have remained in cellars for at least three years, one of which must be in wooden barrels, and are sold in their fourth year. Rosés and whites must have spent two years in the cellars, six months of which must be on wood, and are sold in their third year.
Vino Gran Reserva: Only those wines considered to be the finest vintages reach this stage of ageing. Red wines must have spent two years in wooden butts and three years in the bottle; they are sold in their sixth year. Rosés and whites remain in the cellars for four years, six months of which are spent in wooden casks. They are also sold in their sixth year.
For further information in this regard, consult the section on regulations.
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