Rioja Gran Reserva: Quick Guide

Rioja Gran Reserva Pronunciation: ree-oh-ha grahn reh-serve-ah Rioja Gran Reserva wines spend at least 5 years aging. Red wines age 2 years in oak barrel and 2 in bottle. White and rose age 6 months in barrel, 4 years total. What Is Rioja Gran Reserva? If you see “Rioja Gran Reserva” on a wine bottle […]

Alcohol’s Influence on Wine Aging Potential

You’re right to think that alcohol has something to do with a wine’s aging potential. Wines with higher alcohol levels (+14%) can usually age longer than lower-alcohol wines (under 14%). Alcohol acts as a natural preservative and antioxidant in wine. Examples include Amarone, Port, Madeira, and Shiraz. Some lower-alcohol wines can also age, though, like […]