Rioja classification and style
A guide to the Rioja classifications system and their styles

Classification
Rioja red wines are classified into four categories:

Joven
Crianza
Reserva
Gran Reserva

Each classification is indicated on the back label by an official stamp.

Styles

Joven
This means 'young wine' and is illustrated by a green label on the back of the bottle. These can be white, red or rosé. Young red wines are characteristically an attractive deep red to purple in colour with a deep, red berry scented smell. These wines have spent little or no time in oak and are great to serve at a party or to be enjoyed as an everyday drinking wine.

Crianza
These wines are usually red indicated with a cherry red label on the back of the bottle. Crianza wines must spend at least 2 years at the winery before being released and at least one of those years must be spent in oak casks. They are still young, fresh and juicy but with a hint of vanilla and spice to give the wine more complexity. These are wines to be enjoyed on a regular basis, with or without food.

Reserva
These wines are typically wines with the term denoted with a blood red label on the back of the bottle. They must have at least 3 years' ageing between barrel and bottle, with at least one year in barrel. Reserva wines have depth and great character. They often have an explosion of aroma and taste sensations that continue to evolve in the mouth. These are wonderful wines to impress friends, for special occasions or simply to be appreciated by anybody who loves good red wine.

Gran Reserva
Gran Reservas are identified by a teal blue on the back of the bottle. These wines are made in the best years, using only the finest red grapes (whites and roses are rare). They must spend 5 years in the winery of which at least 2 years are spent in oak casks and three in bottle. These are the classic and often the most traditional Rioja wines and rank amongst the finest in the world.

Whites & Rosado

Blanco
A term used for white Rioja - typically clean, fresh and fruity, with crisp, zingy acidity. Look for a lime green label or guarantee on the back label. This style of Rioja is perfect for any occasion, particularly well chilled, drunk as an aperitif in the summer with friends.

Barrel fermented 'Blanco'
These are white Riojas fermented in oak barrels. They have extra depth and complexity displaying savoury and fragrant vanilla notes as a result of its contact with oak. These wines are delicious served chilled with food.

Rosado
Rosé wines from Rioja are becoming ever more popular. Rioja produces fresh, strawberry-scented, crisp, mouth-watering wines that are substantial enough to be enjoyed all year round, with or without food.

Wines from Rioja,
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