Portuguese term (literally: bottle storage, garrafa = bottle) for a wine whose alcohol content is 0.5% vol. above the specified minimum. This is usually the top product of a house. With regard to ageing, the same rules apply as for Reserva; see there.
Designation for "better or outstanding (e.g. longer matured) wine qualities" in Portugal and Spain with legally regulated requirements for the quality levels for quality wines valid in the countries.
Designation for a wine with regard to vinification, alcohol content and ageing (ageing period in barrel and bottle). The regulations mainly apply to red wines; the requirements for white and rosé wines are less stringent.
A Reserva must mature for at least 36 months for red wines (including 12 months in oak barrels) and at...
![]()
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena