Understanding the differences between wines and the various descriptions found on labels helps us to make conscious choices and improve our knowledge of wine.
When we find the description “Riserva” on a bottle it means that the wine inside is already several years old, is prized and certainly has a special value linked to the territory and its production.
Being a Reserve wine means being a wine subjected to an additional ageing period beyond that stipulated in the wine’s production regulations. Specifically, the ageing period necessary for a wine to be classified as Reserve is at least two years for reds and at least one year for whites.
The “Reserve” mention can only be applied to wines that have DOC and DOCG recognition, and which therefore have regulations that define every aspect of their production. Reading “Reserve Wine” on the label therefore means finding yourself in front of a particularly prized wine, usually with more body and a higher alcohol content, which often comes from vineyards that were previously selected for their unique characteristics.
The Reserve mention can sometimes be found on the label combined with other mentions, such as Classico or Superiore. In the first case, you read Classico Reserve, which means the wine comes from original and traditional wine production territories (hence the Classico mention) in addition to the longer ageing period; in the second case, reading Superiore Reserve on the label means the wine has a higher alcohol content than that stipulated in the production regulations (Superiore means the wine has a higher alcohol content) in addition to the longer ageing period. For example, Chianti DOCG wine can have the “Chianti Reserve” mention, if it has aged for at least 2 years calculated from 1 January of the year following the one in which the grapes were harvested.
The Chianti Reserve from the Leonardo da Vinci collection and the Chianti Reserve from the Da Vinci I Capolavori collection are multi-award-winning wines produced from grapes from vineyards located in the hills of Vinci and some neighbouring municipalities. Among the recent awards received by both are the “Best of show Chianti Reserve” and the “Gold Medal” at Mundus Vini, as well as awards received at the Berliner Wein Trophy, for both the 2015 and 2016 vintages.
The Sangiovese Superiore Reserve from the 1502 da Vinci in Romagna collection, also a winner of the “Gold Medal” at the 2019 Berliner Wein Trophy with the 2016 vintage. This Reserve wine, a testament to our care for our vineyards and territories, completes our Reserve wine offering.
Leonardo da Vinci winery’s Reserve wines are full-bodied wines with good palate length. They pair well with cured meats and aged cheeses, as well as with first and second courses based on red meat. Being able to read wine labels and understand the mentions means learning more about the marvellous world of wine, but above all helps you choose the ideal bottle for your cellar or the perfect pairing for your meals or social gatherings.
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