What does "riserva" imply in Italian winemaking?

In Italian winemaking, the term "riserva" indicates that the wine has undergone a longer aging process than the standard requirement for that particular wine category, often suggesting a higher quality. Specifically, "riserva" wines are typically held for a more extended period in both barrel and bottle before release, which allows for greater complexity and depth of flavor. This extended aging can also be a result of stricter regulations concerning the quality of the grapes used, necessitating a higher alcohol level and more refined characteristics in the final wine.

The emphasis on longer aging periods and often stricter requirements contributes to the perception of higher quality associated with "riserva" wines. This contrasts with the other options, as "riserva" does not imply minimum aging of just 2 years or limit production to old vines or specific regions like Tuscany. Instead, its use is more broad and indicative of quality across various Italian wine regions.