What is the legal minimum aging requirement for a wine labeled 'Reserva' in Spain?

The designation 'Reserva' in Spain signifies that a wine has undergone a certain aging process, which is part of the classification system for wines, particularly for red and white wines. For a wine to carry the 'Reserva' label, it must be aged for a minimum of 3 years. This aging period varies based on the type of wine; for red wines, at least 1 year should be spent in oak barrels, while the remaining aging can be in bottle. For white and rosé wines labeled as 'Reserva,' the aging requirement is also 3 years, with a minimum of 6 months in oak barrels.

This aging criterion is in place to ensure that 'Reserva' wines exhibit more complexity and maturity compared to non-reserved wines, reflecting the care and extended aging that goes into their production. Knowing the legal aging requirements helps consumers distinguish between different quality levels of Spanish wine and ensures that the label accurately reflects the wine's characteristics.