As a sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that reserve wines are indeed more expensive than regular non-reserve bottlings. This is primarily due to the higher quality of grapes used and the longer aging process involved in producing reserve wines.
When it comes to making reserve wines, winemakers carefully select the best grapes from their vineyards. These grapes are often grown in prime locations with ideal conditions, resulting in superior flavor and character. The meticulous grape selection process ensures that only the finest fruit is used, which naturally adds to the cost of production.
In addition to premium grapes, reserve wines undergo a longer aging period compared to their non-reserve counterparts. This extended aging allows the flavors and aromas to develop more fully, resulting in a more complex and refined wine. However, the aging process also requires additional time, storage space, and resources, all of which contribute to the higher cost.
Furthermore, reserve wines are often aged in high-quality oak barrels, which further enhances their flavor profile and adds to the overall cost. These barrels can be quite expensive, and they need to be carefully maintained and replaced over time. The use of oak barrels imparts desirable characteristics such as vanilla, spice, and toastiness to the wine, but it also adds to the production expenses.
It's worth noting that the term “reserve” can vary in meaning depending on the country and wine region. In some cases, it may simply indicate a higher quality wine without any specific legal requirements. However, in other regions, such as Spain (where the term “reserva” is used) or Italy (where “riserva” is used), there are specific regulations dictating the aging requirements for a wine to carry the reserve designation. These regulations often mandate longer aging periods, which further contribute to the higher cost.
To summarize, reserve wines are more expensive due to the use of better quality grapes, longer aging periods, and the inclusion of premium oak barrels. The increased production costs associated with these factors ultimately result in a higher price for reserve wines compared to their non-reserve counterparts.