What is the difference between a Reserva and a Gran Reserva?

Rioja Wine is built on a foundation of Tempranillo. This grape is hugely popular around the world but its true homeland is on the Iberian Peninsula. Grounded in Spanish wine making, Rioja has a strict set of rules regarding its classification, and these produce a beautiful result: a big wine with high tannin that pairs up well with meat, delivering structure and fruitiness. A delicious Spanish red that pairs with everything a growing wine drinker loves. Rioja Wine enjoys a broad selection of flavors depending on how its made and aged. Across all versions you can expect a big flavor wine with high tannins – younger wines have zippy fruit, while the longer aged wines pick up oak flavors from the barrel. Rioja has a wine control board, called the Consejo Regulador DOCa Rioja, who inspects the quality of producers to ensure consistency. There are 4 different main styles of Rioja wine. The best way to taste the range would be to taste all 4 next to each other – perhaps a perfect excuse to host a wine tasting party.

Young wines are meant to be consumed within the same year. Young wines are known for their freshness and fruity notes. A young wine is one that is consumed during its first or second year of life, with little to no barrel aging—typically not exceeding 6 months. Their goal is to reflect the purity and freshness of the vineyard, without the complexity brought by aging. Young wines pair well with appetizers, light dishes, pasta, cold cuts and fresh cheeses. Young wine preserves the fresh, vibrant characteristics of the grape: fruity, floral aromas and a light, lively palate. Young wine 0 to 6 months is the minimum barrel aging. Total aging time for young wine is consumed within the same year or next. Fresh, fruity, straightforward, with little to no influence from oak are the profile and characteristics of the young wine.

A Crianza wine is the one that has undergone a maturation and ageing process before being bottled and sold. Crianza wine is storage in oak barrels or stainless-steel tanks for a certain period of time. The amount of time it is aged varies according to the type of wine and area in which the wine is produced. However, generally, it counts as a Crianza wine when it´s aged for 18 months. This process results in a more complex wine with the capacity to mature in the bottle. What is a reserve wine? A reserve wine is one that has undergone a long and meticulous maturation process of at least 36 months. The main objective is to achieve the best form of the product and for it to develop extraordinary complexity. When the wine is aged for a long time in oak barrels, it acquires a number of unique qualities. Interacting with the wood adds aromas and flavours to the final sensory structure, which stands out for its complexity. The slow, controlled oxidation process helps to soften the tannins and provide a silkier texture. As for the duration of this process, it varies according to the winemaker's criteria and the style of wine they wish to achieve. In some cases, they must mature for several years in a barrel and additional time in a bottle for being considered reserve wine. Doing so is common practice in recognised wine regions and under strict regulations that ensure a high final quality. The result is a wine with a sophisticated profile and the capacity to improve over time. Reserve wines tend to exhibit an intense aroma with complex notes of ripe fruits, spices, vanilla and earthy nuances. They are balanced wines with an elegant structure and a long finish. What is a grand reserve wine? A great reserve wine is a reserve wine of exceptional quality that has undergone an even longer process. As in the previous case, there is no specific time frame, as it depends on the Designation of Origin. Therefore, the requirements are not the same, but to give you an idea, the ageing period is up to five years which 18 months of them must be in oak barrels and the rest of time is in bottle for a red wine. Likewise, the highest quality grapes are selected from each harvest to achieve the best result. All this work creates a unique product that is highly appreciated by the public. The wineries must put all their passion, knowledge and art into the entire production process of a grand reserve. As a result, they gain the approval of enthusiasts and increase their prestige as producers. The differences between Crianza wine, reserve and grand reserve wine. So, Which wine is better Crianza or reserve? As you have seen, each type has specific characteristics. Of all the differences, the most important is the time allocated to ageing the wine. This is the key to developing the body, structure and other essential aspects that need to be achieved. They will emerge gradually as the wine changes. Crianza wines need the least time, followed by Reserva and Gran Reserva. They must also meet specific criteria during the production process. For example, the Crianza wine is aged in the barrel, without having to put the liquid in a bottle. However, bear in mind that changes may occur depending on the way a particular Denomination of Origin is produced. Another difference is the final profile of the wine. The key lies in the complexity that the flavour and aroma will acquire. The longer the ageing period, the more intricate the combination of notes and other elements will be. If you were to try one product from each category, you would notice how the intensity changes. On this basis, a Crianza wine is less complex than a reserve wine, and a reserve wine is less complex than a grand reserve wine. When it comes to reserve and grand reserve, they do not need to be produced every year. The quality of the grape varieties in a particular year may not be up to standard. In which case it would not be worth the effort, as the wine would not meet the demands of such high-category products. What’s more, you can see whether these varieties have been produced to assess whether the harvests were good or not. By knowing the difference between Crianza and reserve, you can better appreciate the characteristics of each type and choose a Crianza or Reserve depending on the occasion. Both time and the complexity of flavours and aromas mark a separation that is insurmountable, although it does not make one superior to the other. To enjoy the best wines, explore the wide selection offered by 15bodegas. Discover ours online wine store.

Reserva Wine : Aged for at least 36 months. Spends 12 months in oak barrels and the rest in bottles. Gran Reserva wine : requires 60 months of aging. It must spend at least 24 months in barrels and the remainder in bottles. This extra time changes the flavor, texture, and complexity of the wine. A Reserva spends at least one year in a barrel. A Gran Reserva, on the other hand, requires at least two years , achieving greater depth. Reservas refine their flavor in the bottle for two years . Gran Reservas do so for three or more . The organoleptic characteristics of a wine determine its personality and quality. Both Reserva and Gran Reserva wines offer unique aromas, flavors, and textures, influenced by their aging and maturation time.

On the unoaked shelf you can find white, rosé and «young» red wines or wines made through carbonic maceration. A Crianza could also be a good option, above all if the event includes some more serious food, for example a good piece of barbecued meat. Here, depending on the type of oak that is used, a red wine from this category could work very well. Without doubt the Crianza is very versatile in terms of price and possibilities, as already the most reasonably priced oaked options can reach a level of complexity that makes them an appropriate option for any kind of event. The Gran Reserva or Selección Especial are wines that have spent a long time waiting to be consumed, time during which they have readied themselves for perfection, becoming harmonious and velvety. Therefore, they also need the same time to be dedicated to their enjoyment, they deserve the privilege of time, therefore they are ideal for meals or get-togethers with friends and family, surrounded by long conservations during which wine and good company is enjoyed over extended periods. Meals as a couple, «slow food» family meals, business lunches and so on. But, in the end, the important thing is to enjoy the event and drink responsibility. We want you to have a full Montecillo Experience and that you appreciate all the viticultural work and history behind the wines. The simple fact that a wine is white does not mean that it is less age-worthy, that is simpler or worse, in many cases the opposite is true.

Reserva and Gran Reserva are terms primarily used in Spanish and Portuguese wine labeling to indicate the wine's aging process and quality standards. Reserva showcases balance and elegance, while Gran Reserva stands out with its complex and mature flavors. Every sip tells a story of time, care, and craftsmanship. Reserva and Gran Reserva are terms primarily used in Spanish and Portuguese wine labeling to indicate the wine's aging process and quality standards. At least 3 years for red wines;2 years for White and Rosé At least 5 years for red wines;4 years for White and Rosé At least 1 year for reds;6months for White and Rosé At least 2 years for reds;6months for White and Rosé Balanced maturity Exceptional refinement Only in top vintages Moderate Higher, due to quality and aging