Reserve wine is wine of a higher quality than usual, or a wine that has been aged before being sold, or both. Traditionally, winemakers would reserve some of their best wine rather than sell it immediately, coining the term.

What does Riserva mean in Italian wine?

In Italy, we use the word riserva to indicate a superior vino. ... While outside of Italy the word "reserve" can mean many different things depending on where the wine is made, Italian wine law stipulates that Riserva wines are aged for a longer period of time than wines that are not labeled riserva.

What is the difference between Chianti Classico and Riserva?

Riserva is a step up from regular Chianti Classico. Riserva dictates that the wine be aged in oak for 2 years, and then an additional 3 months in bottle before being distributed. This extra year in oak allows the wine to develop more complex flavors, and add more tertiary flavors from the aging process.