Physico-chemical parameters justifying the vintage qualifications in wines from Spanish Protected Designation of Origin

Young red wines and rose wines from the Ribera del Duero Spanish Protected Designation of Origin were analysed from three consecutive vintages, in order to study the variables which make it possible to distinguish among vintages and which justify the different official classifications by qualities of these wines. The results give good percentages of correct classification, the classic oenological parameters being, important for the differentiation by vintage of these wines, both for red and for rose wines. Some colour variables such as brightness and some phenolic compounds can improve the mathematical models obtained. In addition, they are objective parameters which would justify the differences in quality qualifications.