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CRIANZA
Applies usually to red wines and is a sign of quality.
The wine has spent at least one-year in oak and therefore
has a characteristic oaky flavour which is much prized.
These are lovely wines to drink on their own or with food
and can be very well priced. |
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RESERVA
When a vintage is good, the best wines are often classified
as being of reserva potential, in which case the wine
maker will age the wines for a minimum of three years
for red wines and two years for white and rosé
wines. The red reservas must spend at least one year in
oak, the others a minimum of six months. In Rioja only
ten percent of the wines are sold as reserva which explains
their premium price and why they can be in short supply. |
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GRAN RESERVA
These are either wines that have been chosen from an exceptional
vintage or a blend of reservas capable of further wood
aging. The minimum age is five years with at least two
in oak. Many will have an additional year before bottling
and several more years cellar aging. White and rosé
gran reservas are rare. This category makes up a tiny
proportion of overall production in Rioja but is the most
highly prized throughout Spain. |
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CAVA
Spanish Cava is a white or Rosado sparkling wine. It is
strictly controlled in terms of production and labelling
and can be of the very highest quality.
It is made in the same way (Traditional Method) as champagne
and is a fabulous alternative.
Reserva/Gran
Reserva Cavas are top quality. |
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ROSADO
Spain makes top quality rose wines. They are making a
huge comeback are extremely popular all year round (not
just the summer months).
If you haven’t tried one recently then now is the
time to do so. They are bright and fresh, full of flavour
and most importantly – dry. |
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"NEW STYLE"
WINE
This refers to the influence of the new world wine styles
on Spanish wine (notably Australia). These wines are fresh,
young, innovative, exciting and in great contrast to the
classic, more traditional Riojas. They often use named
grape varieties (eg Merlot, Tempranillo and Albarino)
and are hugely popular. |
