Bordeaux: History

Question 1

Bordeaux : Key Developments in History

Answer 1

• 17th and 18th cdentury, Dutch residents drained the north part of the city to make it more usable
• 18th century, Lafitte and Margaux
• Merchants in Britain, Ireland, Germany and Holland distributed the wine to help establish their international reputation using specialised merchants
• 1855 - major commercial exhibition
• Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce asked the regions brokers to compile a classification of wines based on price - the estates of Medoc and Haut Brion in Graves were classed in to 5 bands , Sauterne into 3
• Informal assessments that remain in place today and influences prices
• 108,000 hc planted - with 72% entitled to Bordeaux , Bordeaux Superier, Medoc and Cotes AOC’s which are inexpensive and mid priced
• Cru classe only 5 % of land and Pomerol only 800hc
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