Spanish wine classification

Spanish wine classification primarily follows the Denominación de Origen (DO) system, similar to France’s AOC. It designates wines from specific regions with strict rules on grape varieties, production methods, and quality standards. Within this system, wines are categorized into tiers like Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, indicating aging levels. There are also regional classifications such as Rioja or Ribera del Duero, each with unique characteristics. These labels help consumers understand the wine’s origin, quality, and style, ensuring that wines meet established standards and authentically represent their terroir—the unique environmental factors influencing the wine.