B) Classification of wines by ageing characteristics
Country Wines and QWPSR can use the following common indications regarding ageing categories:
Vino noble (quality wine)
This expression can be used to describe wines subjected to a minimum ageing period totalling 18 months, either in oak containers having a maximum capacity of 600 litres, or in the bottle.
Vino añejo (aged wine)
Aged wines are those subjected to a minimum ageing period totalling 24 months in oak containers with minimum capacity of 600 litres, or in the bottle.
Vino viejo (old wine)
Old wines are those that are subjected to a minimum ageing period of 36 months when the ageing process is of a strong oxidative nature due to the action of light, oxygen, hot or a conjunction of all.
In addition to the indications detailed above, still QWPSR may use the following:
Vino de crianza (crianza wine)
This indication applies to red wines aged for a minimum of 24 months, of which 6 months are spent in oak containers with a capacity of 330 litres maximum; and to white and rosé wines aged for at least 18 months.
Reserva
Reserva is applied to red wines that are aged for a minimum of 36 months, to include at least 12 months in oak and the rest in the bottle; and to white and rosé wines aged for 18 months, to include 6 months on wood.
Gran reserva
This distinction is given to red wines aged for a minimum of 60 months, to include at least 18 months in oak, and to white and rosé wines aged for 48 months, to include 6 months on wood.
Quality sparkling wines may use the “Premium” and “Reserva” indications; the “Gran Reserva” indication may be used by those sparkling wines that have been given the Cava designation and which have undergone ageing for at least 30 months from tirage to disgorging.
More information can be found on the wine ageing process in the section on Wine Making and Ageing.
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