Article written by Jon Cellier - Head of Wine and Business Intelligence.
The Rioja Ageing Classification is a unique system supervised entirely by the Consejo Regulador de la Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja. This regulatory body exercises complete control over the production, labelling, and quality of all Rioja wines, ensuring that every bottle meets strict standards for origin, grape variety, yield, and, most notably, the duration and method of ageing. One of the system’s most distinctive features is the use of colour-coded back labels. These official seals, issued by the Consejo Regulador, certify the age category of the wine and make it easy for consumers to identify the style at a glance.
The Four Rioja Ageing Categories & Their Back Label Colours
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Joven (Young Rioja) - Green Label
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Ageing: Minimal or no oak ageing. Wines are typically bottled within a year of harvest, capturing fresh, fruity flavours.
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Profile: Fresh, lively, for immediate enjoyment.
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Crianza - Red Label
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Ageing: Minimum of 2 years, with at least 1 year in oak barrels and the remainder in bottle.
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Profile: Balanced between vibrant fruit and subtle oak notes; Spain’s favourite choice for everyday drinking.
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Reserva - Deep Burgundy Label
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Ageing: Minimum of 3 years, at least 1 year in oak and 6 months in bottle. Whites and rosés: at least 2 years total, with 6 months in oak.
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Profile: More structure and complexity, crafted with selected grapes from better vintages.
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Gran Reserva - Blue Label
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Ageing: Minimum of 5 years, with at least 2 years in oak barrels and 2 years in bottle. Whites and rosés: at least 4 years, 6 months in oak.
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Profile: Elegant, complex, and only produced in exceptional years from the best grapes. Many bottles are aged far beyond the legal minimum, often 8–10 years before release.
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Control and Certification by the Consejo Regulador
Every Rioja wine labelled with these terms must pass strict quality and authenticity checks conducted by the Consejo Regulador. Only when a wine meets every requirement - including origin, varietal, and exact ageing regime - does it receive the scented, coloured back label stating its official classification. The Consejo’s rigorous controls set Rioja apart as one of the world’s most reliable and transparent wine regions.
Sparkling Wines in Rioja and Their Ageing Qualifications
Rioja also produces traditional-method sparkling wines under the designation “Espumoso de Calidad de Rioja”. These wines adhere to stringent rules, similar in concept to Champagne:
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Aging Categories:
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Reserva Sparkling Rioja: Must be aged “en tirage” (on lees) for a minimum of 24 months.
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Gran Añada Sparkling Rioja: The highest category, requiring a minimum of 36 months ageing on lees.
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Only hand-picked grapes are allowed for vintage-dated bottles.
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As for still wines, sparkling Rioja are certified and controlled by the Consejo Regulador, which issues a special label for these wines, marking the age category and guaranteeing authenticity.
The Rioja Ageing Classification offers unmatched transparency and ensures that every bottle with a Rioja back label is a true ambassador for the region’s quality and style.
Taste the difference with Perfect Cellar
Marques del Silvo Rioja Crianza 2022
This Crianza from Marqués del Silvo offers classic Rioja depth and elegance, is sustainably produced, and enjoys excellent critical acclaim; making it a superb choice for Rioja enthusiasts.
Marques del Silvo Rioja Gran Reserva 2017
A fine estate-grown and bottled Rioja, crafted in the modern style, this wine has been aged for over five years in both barrel and bottle, allowing it to develop a complexity and elegance that stands out in the region. With a bright garnet hue and a refined profile, it’s a wine that speaks to both tradition and careful, contemporary winemaking.
Casa La Rad Alma Rioja DOCa 2020
90 Points – Tim Atkin MW. Casa La Rad Alma Rioja DOCa is the flagship wine of Bodegas Casa La Rad, with only 2,000 bottles produced. Made from equal parts Tempranillo and Garnacha, grown at 500 meters and aged in French oak, it’s a complex, elegant wine with a deep garnet color and long, pleasant finish. Enjoy now or age for years - an exceptional wine from a sustainable, forward-thinking winery.
