A question of age: categories and regulations

Spanish wines are classified by age – the period of maturation in oak or the bottle or a combination of both. The regulations cover two main groups: wines aged in 330 litre barrels maximum capacity, by far the largest group, and those aged in 600 litre barrels maximum capacity. There are also descriptions for Cavas. The following regulations cover all wines except the Vino de Mesa category:


330 litre maximum capacity

Joven: Joven means young. This category therefore applies to white, rosé and red wines, usually offered in the spring following the vintage, that have spent no or little time in oak. The term sin crianza, meaning without maturation, is also used by producers.

Crianza: Wines carrying this description must age in oak for at least six months and a total of 24 months in oak and bottle combined. For rosés the stipulation is 18 months oak and bottle age.

Reserva: Reds must have aged for at least 12 months in oak and a total of 36 months before release. Whites (and rosés, though rare) must age for at least 6 months in oak and have a total age of at least 18 months ageing before release.

Gran Reserva: Red wines that have spent at least 18 months in oak; total minimum 60 months oak and bottle age.


600 litre maximum capacity

Vino Noble
18 months in oak or bottle or a combination of both.

Vino Añejo
24 months in oak or bottle or a combination of both

Vino Viejo
36 months in oak or bottle or a combination of both

Cavas
The term Reserva is used for premium Cavas and Gran Reserva for those aged for at least 30 months on the lees.