Minimum aging requirements will be specified on the label by designations such as: Joven, Crianza, Reserva, & Grand Reserva. Because wines have already been aged, consumers are assured that wines purchased are ready for consumption & cellaring is not necessary.
Joven: fresh and fruity; minimal aging before release
Crianza: minimum 2 years aging, at least 1 of which was in oak.
Rioja Reserva: minimum 3 years aging, at least 1 of which was in oak.
Rioja Gran Reserva: minimum 5 years aging; 2 years in oak and 3 years in bottle.
Vendimia or Cosecha may also be seen on a label, this is literally the “Harvest or Vintage”, a minimum of 85% of the grapes must have been harvested within the year stated on the label.
Vendimia – Grape Harvest
Embotellado Por – Bottled By
Cosecha – Vintage, Crop
Tinto – Red
Rosada – Rose
Blanco – White
Generoso – Fortified/ Dessert Wine
Dulce – Sweet
Seco – Dry
Espumoso – Sparkling
–Stop in to 21st Amendment at 3404 E.146th St. Carmel, In 46033. Meet Wine Director Bryan Criswell, a Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers and Wine Master from the Wine Education Guild. Bryan will freely consult with you Tuesday through Saturday & assist with any purchase, questions or suggestions that you may have.