What does the term "reserve" on a wine label signify?

The term "reserve" on a wine label generally signifies a higher quality wine, often associated with a longer aging process or stricter selection criteria during the winemaking process. The use of "reserve" suggests that the wine has been set aside as a superior offering, which may involve handpicking grapes from the best vineyards or a meticulous winemaking process that enhances its characteristics.

In various wine regions, the meaning can vary; for instance, some places require a specific aging period for a wine to be labeled as a “reserve.” This designation is intended to convey to consumers that they are purchasing a wine that has been crafted with extra care, and typically, such wines are expected to have more complexity, depth, and overall quality.

Wines labeled without filtration, those without added sulfites, or those with lower alcohol content do not directly relate to the interpretation of "reserve," as these terms are applicable to different aspects of winemaking and wine production. Thus, understanding the term "reserve" centers on the concept of quality and aging rather than these other wine characteristics.