What are RISERVA WINES, the maximum expression of tradition and quality.

What does “Riserva” mean on a label?

The term "Riserva" is one of the most evocative words in the lexicon of wine, essentially representing a symbol of quality, tradition and prestige. It describes wines that have undergone a longer refinement than the basic version of the same denomination.

Although the meaning may vary depending on the region, country and type of wine, RISERVA WINES are products that possess more complex organoleptic characteristics, thanks to the longer maturation period in wooden barrels and subsequent refinement in the bottle.

In Italy, the legislation that governs the use of this term establishes well-defined criteria regarding the minimum aging times, the winemaking techniques and the quality standards that a wine must respect in order to obtain the wording on the label.

A wine that bears this specification must undergo various periods of refinement, which vary according to the denomination, this process allows the wine to develop a complexity and balance different from the younger version, an example is the Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva Docg by Torre Alle Tolfe .

Thanks to the specific processes that this label goes through, we are talking about an “old-fashioned” wine, with maceration work and the use of barrels for aging. A “living” Chianti Riserva with excellent aging capacity, so much so that it can remain in the cellar for 5 or 10 years, without losing anything of what it represents.

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But with “Riserva” are we only talking about reds?

Absolutely not, the concept of Riserva also extends to white wines and sparkling wines, if they meet the requirements imposed by the respective regulations. In general, Riserva white wines have a more pronounced structure and a broader bouquet than young whites, while Riserva sparkling wines often stand out for a finer and more persistent perlage, with greater aromatic complexity.

The importance of the term Riserva is such that, in some historic wine regions, it is perceived as a true quality mark. The choice to apply the Riserva mention is not taken lightly: it requires a careful selection of grapes and a winemaking process that aims to obtain a wine capable of resisting time and evolving in a positive way.

It is no coincidence that many of the Riserva wines represent the flagship of the winery's production, both for the care with which they are made and for their aging potential.

Another interesting aspect is that the Riserva, by virtue of the regulations, meets controlled quality requirements. This means that the mention cannot be applied to any wine: the grapes must come from selected vineyards, with lower yields and, in many cases, with a slightly higher alcohol level than the basic version.

Let's take the Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva Docg by Torre Alle Tolfe as an example, it represents one of the greatest expressions of the Tuscan winemaking tradition, a wine that fully embodies the concept of "Riserva". In this case, the term reflects the scrupulous attention dedicated to the selection of the best grapes, to the vinification and to the long refinement, aspects that give life to a complex, structured wine capable of evolving over time.

Produced exclusively with 100% Sangiovese grapes from the best plots and the oldest vines of the estate, after a manual harvest at full ripeness at the end of September, the grapes are refined according to the traditional method, combined with respect for the long maturation times that allow the wine to acquire unique depth and complexity.

This Riserva stands out from the Chianti classico precisely because of time: a key element that cannot be accelerated. The long refinement allows the wine to develop its distinctive notes, evolving from primary aromas of fresh red fruit to more mature and complex scents, such as cherries in alcohol, sweet spices and tertiary nuances of leather, tobacco and coffee. The result is an “old-fashioned” wine, with a strong identity and a decisive character, far from the modern concept of “drinkable wine”, designed for those who love the structure, persistence and ability of a great wine to change and evolve in the glass.

Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva Docg - Torre Alle Tolfe

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Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva by Lo Sparviere is an example of how the "Riserva" category represents a higher level even in the world of bubbles. This Franciacorta, produced entirely from Chardonnay grapes, stands out for its stylistic precision and its ability to maximize the characteristics of the Monticelli Brusati terroir, one of the most suitable areas of Franciacorta.

The choice of zero dosage, or the total absence of added sugars, enhances the purity of the grapes and the integrity of the wine, here the concept of Riserva in a Franciacorta is linked not only to the long refinement, but also to the care in selecting the grapes and the choice of winemaking techniques aimed at enhancing the absolute quality of the must.

The wine is assembled and begins the long sparkling phase with the second fermentation and the rest on the lees for a minimum of 72 months, a period of refinement that is well above the minimum standards required for a Franciacorta. This long contact with the lees is what allows the wine to develop its characteristic hints of dried fruit, honey, and those toasted nuances that enrich the sensory profile.

The absence of added sugars further enhances the stylistic precision of the wine, it is designed for special occasions, but thanks to its versatility it can accompany a wide range of dishes, from seafood to more complex and refined cuisine, such as risottos.

Franciacorta Riserva Dosage Zero Docg - Lo Sparviere

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The Colli Di Luni Rosso Doc Terre D'Isee by La Baia Del Sole is a true specialty, managing to show what “Riserva” means for a Ligurian wine. A unique blend, composed of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 10% Canaiolo, which acquires the status of reserve only in the years of absolute quality, giving life to a wine capable of competing with the great Italian reds.

What distinguishes “Terre d'Isee” is the attention to detail that the winery dedicates to each phase of production. After a manual and careful selection of the grapes, a long refinement follows: first 12-14 months in barrique and finally a further 12 months in the bottle, where the wine reaches its maximum expressiveness.

This wine represents a new and intriguing face of Liguria, a region usually associated with white wines and light reds. The concept of “Riserva” in this wine stands out above all in the choice to produce it only in the best years, when every element contributes to creating an exceptional product.

Thus becoming a symbol of selection, patience and superior quality, a distinctive sign that promises the consumer a top-level wine experience.

Colli Di Luni Rosso Doc Terre D'Isee - The Bay Of The Sun

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These wines represent a prestigious category, synonymous with products that differ in complexity but that carry a sense of territorial identity and craftsmanship. All you have to do is immerse yourself in this, where each bottle tells a story of passion, tradition and dedication.