Surely you have heard that many times about: this is a crianza wine or this is a grand reserve wine. But do we really know what the difference between crianza and gran reserva wine means?
If you are a wine expert or have air-conditioned cellars , it is important that you know the differences well.
Index
Main difference between crianza and gran reserva wine
The difference between crianza and gran reserva wine is the maturation time. Now, this classification is typical of Spain and we will only find it in wines of Spanish origin. To regulate these criteria, which are sometimes a bit broad, Law 24/2003 on Vine and Wine was made.
Although some articles were modified in 2015, the importance of the uniqueness of the wines continues to be key to the value of the denomination of origin of our country.
Next, we will tell you the difference between crianza wine and gran reserva in two easy points:
1. The aging and maturation time in the cellar
Aging time is called the period that the wine is in the barrel or in the bottle, before it is put on sale. This time in contact with the wood determines the characteristics that the wine will have. How can they be; its aroma, its structure and its color.
In order to understand the difference between crianza and gran reserva wine, you should take into account that:
- Crianza wines are those that have a maturation time of at least 24 months for red wines. And 18 months minimum for rosé and white wines. In both types, six of the months must be in barrels.
- Gran Reserva wines are wines with a minimum maturation time of 60 months for red wines. And of at least 48 months for white and rosé wines. Gran Reserva wines should spend at least 18 of these months in the barrel.
2. The appellation of origin
The maturation times vary depending on the denomination of origin: The DO qualified Rioja: they are characterized by longer periods of permanence in Bordeaux barrels , (traditional from Bordeaux, with a capacity of 225 liters). This barrel is characterized by a greater contact of the wine with the wood.
In this section, the points that will allow us to locate the difference between crianza wine and gran reserva will be:
- The aging wines of La Rioja are characterized by maturation times of 24 months for the reds. And 6 months for pinks and whites. At least the first of these months must be in oak barrels.
- Rioja Gran Reserva wines are characterized by having the longest aging times . These times are at least 2 years in the barrel and 3 in the bottle, for red wines . In the case of white and rosé wines, this time should not be less than 4 years with a minimum of 6 months in the barrel.
Also, there are other types of wines called “Young” or “wines of the year”, these are those that have not spent or have spent very little time in the barrel.
Now that you know the difference between crianza and gran reserva wine, as well as some of the differences between how red wine is made or how rosé wine is made , you will already have the necessary knowledge to select the wines that best suit your needs. pleasures. And to be able to fill your air-conditioned cellars!
Remember that good refrigeration is essential for the wine to be at its optimum point of consumption. For this the best thing is a refrigerator for wines also known as wine cellars. Do not hesitate to consult our catalog of wine coolers to find the one that best suits your needs!
