What are the differences between a young wine, crianza, reserva, and gran reserva?

One of the most common questions we receive from the thousands of visitors who come to our winery each year is: “What distinguishes a young wine, gran reserva, reserva, and crianza?” Generally, we understand that the latter are considered to be higher-quality wines. However, it’s true that these classifications are often based on the production and aging time of the wine.

How Wines Are Classified

The first thing to know is that wine is not classified the same way everywhere in the world. For example, in the Southern Hemisphere, in countries such as Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, or Australia, wines are often categorized by grape variety. It’s common to find Chilean Carménère, New Zealand Pinot Noir, Australian Shiraz, Argentine Malbec, or Sauvignon Blanc from virtually every country in the so-called “New World.”

An intriguing case is France, where wines are classified based on the quality of the soils in which the vineyards are located. Burgundy is an extreme example of this, but without a doubt, Bordeaux has the most original classification system. The division of soils is complex, and each sub-region within the Bordeaux AOC has its own classification.

The most famous classification was commissioned by Napoleon III in 1855 and remains in effect today. It primarily focused on Médoc, leading other towns and regions within Bordeaux to develop their own classifications. Regarding Napoleon III’s classification, the system was established as follows: Premiers Crus correspond to the best soils in the region, followed by Deuxièmes Crus, Troisièmes Crus, Quatrièmes Crus, and Cinquièmes Crus, respectively. Only 61 wineries are classified as “Cru” in one of these five divisions, and they are the only ones allowed to label their wines as “Grand Cru.”

Other areas, such as Saint-Émilion or Sauternes, have developed their own vineyard classification systems. For instance, Saint-Émilion introduced a classification in 1955 that is still in effect today and differs from Napoleon III’s 1855 list because it is updated approximately every ten years based on new assessments of wine and soil quality. In each update, wines may move up or down in classification, be excluded entirely, or new entries may be added.

In Spain, however, wine is primarily classified by its aging period, or in other words, the time it spends in barrels and bottles before being released to the market. Broadly speaking, there are four main categories in Spain: young wine (which also includes “Roble”), crianza, reserva, and gran reserva. The required aging time for each category depends on the winery and the specific regulatory council. However, as a general guideline, these classifications suggest common characteristics in terms of body, aroma, and color, as the oak aging process alters the wine’s original properties.

What sets a young wine apart?

This category refers to wines with minimal aging in barrels. Typically, “Roble” wines spend between 3 and 6 months in barrels. They combine the virtues of a young wine or ‘vino joven’ in spanish (meant to be consumed within the first year)-energetic and fruity—with the aroma and flavor of oak, resulting from the barrel-aging process.

Quality “Roble” wines use their brief aging period to enhance the floral and fruity notes of the wine.

A great example of a young wine is Pradorey Origen, from Ribera del Duero. This wine is made primarily with Tempranillo grapes and is aged in barrels for two months, resulting in a balanced, smooth wine with subtle red fruit notes.

PAIRING
A young wine is perfect for pairing with appetizers, light meals, pasta, and white meats like turkey and chicken. It also pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses, mushrooms, and cured meats.

What sets a crianza wine apart?

Crianza wines are aged for at least 24 months. Of these, between 6 and 12 months must be spent in barrels, with the remaining time aging in bottles, which should be stored horizontally, sealed with cork, away from light, and with minimal oxygen exposure. In Ribera del Duero, crianza wines must spend at least 12 months in barrels.

For rosé and white wines, the total aging time is reduced to 18 months, but the barrel-aging period remains the same as for red wines.

The aging process gives crianza wines their distinctive aroma and flavor. Barrels need to be racked periodically to separate sediments that settle at the bottom, as these could spoil the wine if not removed.

A crianza wine can age well for five to ten years, depending on storage conditions.

An excellent example of a crianza wine is Pradorey Finca Valdelayegua from the D.O. Ribera del Duero. It is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels. Its primary grape variety is Tempranillo, complemented by a hint of Merlot. This is a complex wine with intensely sweet and velvety flavors.

PAIRING
Crianza wines pair beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, game dishes, and the bold flavors of aged cheeses.

What Sets a Reserva Wine Apart?

Reserva wines must age for at least three years. Of this time, a minimum of 12 months is spent in barrels, with the remainder in bottles, under the same storage conditions as crianza wines.

For white and rosé wines, the total aging time is 18 months, and they must be released for sale after two years.

Did you know the term “Reserva” originated in Rioja? People would set aside (“reserve”) a crianza wine from an exceptional year to age it longer. Similarly, “Gran Reserva” wines were reserved for outstanding vintages. At PRADOREY, we uphold this philosophy and only produce such wines when the vintage merits it.

A good reserva wine can age for over ten years and remain in optimal condition.

An excellent example of a reserva wine is Pradorey Finca La Mina, one of the most exclusive wines from the D.O. Ribera del Duero. It is produced only with grapes from the best harvests, ensuring maximum quality and potential from its extended aging process, which lasts 18 months. This wine boasts a rich bouquet, smoky aromas, and flavors of ripe fruits with a balsamic touch.

PAIRING
Reserva wines pair exquisitely with slow-cooked game dishes and gelatinous meats, such as oxtail or tripe.

What sets a gran reserva wine apart?

Gran Reserva wines are reserved for the longest aging periods, totaling approximately five years (60 months). In most Spanish regions, at least 18 months must be spent in barrels, with the remainder in bottles. However, in Ribera del Duero, barrel aging must last at least 24 months. For white and rosé wines, the aging period is at least 48 months, with six months in barrels.

One exceptional example is Finca Real Sitio de Ventosilla, with recent gran reserva vintages from 1999, 2004, and 2009, making it a prestigious wine. Aged for 24months in French oak, this wine offers a brilliant, velvety, mineral, and balsamic profile. It is recommended to decant it beforehand to fully develop its structure and aroma.

PAIRING
Gran Reserva wines shine when paired with roasted game dishes but also enhance the flavors of modern cuisine.

With this brief guide, you’ll undoubtedly feel more confident when choosing a great wine. Two final tips: first, the wine’s category matters less than the quality of the grape—no barrel can improve poor grapes or a subpar harvest. Second, the best wine is always the one you enjoy most, regardless of its aging process.

At PRADOREY, we have excellent options for every occasion.

Cheers!