Bordeaux History and Classifications

Question 1

Key history dates:

Answer 1

Historically Bordeaux a key Port for wine from Bergerac
17C & 18C Dutch drained marshes in Medoc
1855 Exposition Universelle de Paris took place which resulted in 5 bands for Médoc (+ Haut Brion - Graves) and 3 for Sauternes

Question 2

Describe the 1855 Classification

Answer 2

Includes 60 leading properties / Chateaux from Medoc + 1 from Graves, 5 tiers referred to as crus or growths from 1st growths or premier crus to 5th growths.

Question 3

What is the Graves Classification?
How many chateaux?

Answer 3

1959 Graves established a list based on pricing, fame and quality.
16 Chateaux for red, white or both, located in Pessac Léognan

Question 4

What is the Saint-Émilion classification?
What are they judged on?
How many tiers are there?

Answer 4

established in 1955, revised every 10 years.
Chateaux are judged on terroir, methods of production, reputation and commercial considerations plus a blind tasting of at least 10 vintages.
3-Tiers:
1)Premier Grand Cru A
2)Premier Grand Cru B
3)Grand Cru Classé
Some controversy in 2022 with regard to quality

Question 5

Crus Bourgeois du Médoc classification?
What level is it?
What are the 3 tiers of quality?
How long does the classification last?

Answer 5

created in 1932
Level below Cru Classé but still superior quality
1) Cru Bourgeois
2) Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
3) Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
Lasts 5 years

Question 6

Where does Pomerol sit in terms of classification? (ie, Petrus)

Answer 6

Pomerol is the only top-quality appellation that does not have a classification system.