Step 3
of 5
The trap words (and the real ones)
Means nothing (marketing language): “Reserve” on US/Argentine/Chilean wines · “Private Selection” · “Vintner's Reserve” · “Premium” · “Limited Edition” · “Old Vine” (unregulated almost everywhere) · “Hand-crafted”.
Means something specific: Reserva (Spain) / Riserva (Italy) — legal aging requirements. Gran Reserva (Spain) — even longer. Estate Bottled — producer grew + made + bottled the wine. Premier Cru / Grand Cru (France) — specific vineyard classifications.
One letter changes everything.
