Spanish Wine Laws

Question 1

What are the ageing requirements for red wines?

Answer 1

Joven - 0 total ageing (0 months in barrel)
Crianza - 24 months total ageing (6 months in barrel)
Reserva - 36 months total ageing (12 months in barrel)
Gran Reserva - 60 months total ageing (18 months in barrel)

Question 2

What are the ageing requirements for white and rose wines?

Answer 2

White and Rose wines
Joven - 0 total ageing (0 months in barrel)
Crianza - 18 months total ageing (6 months in barrel)
Reserva - 24 months total ageing (6 months in barrel)
Gran Reserva - 48 months total ageing (6 months in barrel)

Question 3

Name the four ageing categories in Spain?

Answer 3

Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva

Question 4

What is the name for PDO wines?

Answer 4

DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida)

Question 5

What is the difference between DO and DOCa wines?

Answer 5

DO (Denominación de Origen) wines must meet minimum requirements while DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada) wines DOs of at least ten years standing may apply for this prestigious category. At present there are only two DOCa in Spain (Rioja and Priorat)

Question 6

What are VP wines?

Answer 6

(vinos de Pago) - Applies to a small number of single estates with high reputaitons. Approved estates may only use their own grapes which must be vinified and matured on their own estate.

Question 7

What term is used to describe PGI wines?

Answer 7

VdIT (Vino de la Tierra)