Aging Requirements For Rioja

Spanish law dictates the minimum length of time a Rioja must be aged, however in practice many are aged much longer.

Crianzas
Reds: Must be aged for at least two years, one of which must be in oak barrels.
Whites: Must be aged for six months in oak barrels.

Reservas
Reds: Must be aged for at least three years, one of which must be in oak barrels.
Whites: Must be aged for one year, six months of which must be in oak barrels.

Gran Reservas
Reds: Must be aged for at least five years, two of which must be in oak barrels and the remaining three of which must be in bottles.
White: Must be aged for four years, six months of which must be in oak barrels.