Time is a determining factor in winemaking. The time that passes from when the vine is planted until it begins to produce, the time needed for its fruits to reach their perfect ripeness, and of course, the aging time needed for that the wine acquires its maximum expression.

The classification of wines as Jovenes, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva is specific to Spain, in addition, each Protected Designation of Origin has its characteristics, although in all of them it has to do with the aging time of wine in barrels and bottles before being sold.

The aging process in oak barrels provides aromas, matures the color, provides greater structure, and oxygenates the wine in the right measure, rounding it out. During its passage through the bottle, the last part of the aging process completes its evolution and refinement.

In order to achieve a certain uniformity in the different categories, mandatory standards have been established in the wineries belonging to the D.O. Ribera del Duero. The volume of the barrels is also indicated, which must be 330 l.

Young wines are usually They also come from young vines. They are wines that are marketed in the same year and have not been aged in barrels. Except for some, which are aged in barrels, but not for long enough (2 to 3 months) to be considered Crianza. This is the case of Tinto Federico Roble, aged in oak barrels for 8 months. Well-structured, balanced and tasty.

Crianza wines need 24 months, 12 months in barrels oak and another 12 in bottles, being marketed from the third year.

Tinto Federico Crianza is matured in oak barrels for 18 months. Full and balanced, round and clean.

Reserva wines, with a total aging period of 36 months, with a minimum of 12 months in oak barrels. They are marketed after the fourth year.

Tinto Federico Reserva is a full-bodied, powerful, well-structured, tannic, Long persistence, with a very long aftertaste.

Gran Reserva wines, this category is reserved for great vintages, wines that must spend 60 months of ageing, of which 18, at least, in oak barrels. They are marketed after the sixth year. Tinto Federico Gran Reserva, aged in oak barrels for 24 months, is tasty, broad, well-balanced, with moderate acidity; noble, with leathery sensations and very clean.

In short, the rating of a wine in Joven, Crianza , Reserva and Gran Reserva are based on the time spent in oak barrels, a very important maturation period that provides different nuances to each wine and gives it particular characteristics for aging.