What is the difference between Rioja and Crianza?

The first is Joven which literally means ‘young’, these Rioja’s should be drunk in the prime of their youth as they aim to be fresh and fruity and have typically not seen any oak but could have been aged 1-2 years. Crianza is aged for at least 1 year in oak and 1 year in bottle (6 months in oak for whites).

Is Crianza a good wine?

The goal of Crianza is a high-quality daily drinking wine. It’s not too rich, but with Tempranillo’s natural high tannin it has quite a bit more body than Merlot. It’s like a great valued Cabernet Sauvignon.

What does Crianza mean in a Spanish wine label?

‘Crianza’ refers to the ageing regulations for red wines set out by the region’s wine control board, the Consejo Regulador DOCa Rioja. These state that a crianza must be aged for a minimum of one year in barrel and one year in bottle before release.

What is the difference between Crianza and reserva?

The red wine that is labeled “crianza” has been aged for at least two years with one of those years in the oak barrels. Crianza is considered to be fairly young and fruity one and usually is the cheaper one. A “reserva” has been aged at least three years, also with at least one of those years in the oak barrel.

What does Joven mean in Rioja?

The Different Styles of Rioja The four classifications are: Genérico (previously called Joven): This is a basic form of the wine and guarantees origin and vintage only. Genérico wines have no minimum aging requirements and are generally sold within the first or second year after harvest.

Is Crianza a Tempranillo?

Crianza refers to a class of aged Spanish Rioja wine. Most Crianza wines are red, but you can find some exquisite white labels too. While red Crianza is made from the Tempranillo grape, white Crianza styles use the Viura, Malvasía, and Garnacha Blanca grape varieties.

What is the difference between Cosecha and Crianza?

The younger styles of wines like Joven (which means “young” in Spanish) and Cosecha (“harvest”) and Crianza (“nurture”) are the wines with the least amount of age, made from grapes that the winemakers specifically select for their freshness and vibrancy — aka exactly what you’re looking for in the summer.

What is Rioja Tempranillo?

Tempranillo is Spain’s top red wine, but it can go by many, many different names depending on the region. Rioja is arguably the easiest to find and recommended when first wading into Spanish wine. Rioja and Navarra: Regions that deliver pepper, red cherry, and subtle cinnamon notes with ample structure (a.k.a. tannin).

Is Crianza red wine?

Most Crianza wines are red, but you can find some exquisite white labels too. While red Crianza is made from the Tempranillo grape, white Crianza styles use the Viura, Malvasía, and Garnacha Blanca grape varieties. Both wine styles offer you a vivid palate of fruit flavors with just the right touch of oak!