🏷️ Riserva
An Italian label for wine aged longer than the region's usual rules require.
Riserva is a label term on Italian wine showing that the wine was aged longer than usual. The word means “reserve”. Riserva was kept in reserve longer than ordinary wine of the same name.
Ageing times depend on the name. Usually at least two years are required. For Barolo, riserva means at least five years, and for some wines even longer. Part of this time the wine spends in barrels and part in bottle. There may also be a minimum alcohol level and a quality check.
Such wine is usually fuller, softer and more complex. But the word “riserva” does not guarantee taste: it only speaks of ageing and of compliance with the rules. Riserva is made from the estate’s best grapes.
Riserva is used with names of the DOCG and DOC type. Next to it stands the term superiore, which usually points to higher alcohol or stricter requirements. Riserva is part of the classification of Italian wine. Alcohol is for adults.
Links
- Part of
- 🏷️ Wine classifications
- Where it applies
- 🗺️ Italian wine
- Similar and different
- 🏷️ Superiore, 🏷️ DOCG
Frequently asked questions
What does riserva mean on a label?
An Italian term for wine aged longer than usual.
How long is riserva aged?
Usually at least two years, and at least five for Barolo.
How is riserva different from superiore?
Riserva points to longer ageing, while superiore usually points to higher alcohol or stricter requirements.
Similar
🏷️ Classico · 🏷️ Superiore · 🏷️ American Viticultural Area · 🏷️ Vintners Quality Alliance · 🏷️ Wine of Origin · 🏷️ Geographical indication (Australia)
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.