2.5 Bordeaux Classification System

Question 1

How is bordeaux organized classification wise?

Answer 1

Appellations and hierarchies for nearly all quality wines.

Question 2

What sort of classifications are there in Bordeaux?

Answer 2

(Grand) Cru Classe - 1855 classification
The graves classification - 1959
The saint-emillion classification - 1955
The crus bourgeois du medoc classification - 1932

Question 3

What is unique about Pomerol when it comes to classification?

Answer 3

The only top-quality appellation that doesn’t have a classification. Estates have reputation instead e.g Petrus

Question 4

What are the first growths?

Answer 4

Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac
Château Latour, Pauillac
Château Margaux, Margaux
Château Haut-Brion, Pessac, Graves
Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac (1973)

Question 5

What was the basis for the 1855 cru classe and what areas did it entail?

Answer 5

Prices. The wines of medoc plus Ch Haut-Brion in Graves and Sauternes.
Medoc first to fifth growths, Sauternes First and Second.

Question 6

What status does chateau d’Yquem have?

Answer 6

Premier Cru Supérieur, the only one with this status.

Question 7

How many estates does the Cru Classe entail, how much of Bordeauxs production comes from Cru Classe wines and mention one demand in the cru classe?

Answer 7

60 estates
About 25 percent
The wines must be bottled at the estate

Question 8

What is the foundation for the Graves classification, how many are included and what wines are included?

Answer 8

Pricing, fame and quality, the latter judged by tasting
16 chateaux within the sub-region of Pessac Leognan
Red and white wine. Simple list, no class distinction within.

Question 9

What is the foundation for the saint-Émilion classification and what are the tiers?

Answer 9

Revised with approximately 10 year interval.
Terroir, methods of production, reputation, commercial considerations and a blind tasting of at least 10 vintages.
Premier grand cru classe A
Premier grand cru Classe B
Grand Cru Classe
Grand Cru. Most recent revision 2012.

Question 10

What are some criticisms against the classifications?

Answer 10

Cru classe - too rigid
Graves classification - much needed revision as many high quality estates aren’t included
Saint-emilion classification - grand cru misleading, have been dented by lawsuits and bad reputation.

Question 11

What are the main points regarding the Cru Bourgeois du Medoc Classification?

Answer 11

Lvl below cru classe, but still superior quality. 2010 revision now rewards wines instead of estate and now its based on both production methods and finished product. 
2018 revision now three tiers.
Cru bourgeois
Cru bourgeois supérieur
Cru bourgeois exceptionnel