What are the levels in a solera system called?

The levels in a solera system are referred to as criaderas. This term is integral to the production of sherry, where the solera system is a method used for aging and blending the wine. The criaderas are the various tiers or rows where different vintages of sherry are stored. Each criadera contains younger wine that will eventually be mixed with older wines as part of the aging and blending process.

In this system, the oldest wine is at the bottom level, known as the solera, while the layers above it represent progressively younger wines. The introduction of younger wine into the solera helps maintain a consistent product over time and is essential in developing the complex character that sherry wines are known for. Understanding the structure of criaderas is essential for anyone involved in the production or appreciation of sherry wine.