Villa Antinori 1981 Classico

Riserva DOCG is a special category of Italian wine that signifies a higher level of aging and quality within the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) system, the highest classification for Italian wines. To earn the Riserva designation, a wine must meet specific aging requirements that vary by region and style. Generally, Riserva wines must be aged for a longer period than their regular DOCG counterparts—typically a minimum of two years longer—both in oak barrels and in the bottle. These extended aging periods allow the wine to develop greater complexity, depth, and smoother texture. In red Riserva DOCG wines, such as Barolo Riserva or Chianti Classico Riserva, the additional time imparts richer flavors, including dried fruit, tobacco, leather, and earthy notes, with a balanced structure that improves with further aging. For white Riserva wines, such as Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Riserva, the wine develops more intricate floral and honeyed aromas, often with greater body and depth. The Riserva DOCG designation guarantees that these wines come from some of Italy’s finest regions and have undergone meticulous production processes to ensure premium quality.