Classification Flashcards
What is the significance of the classifications of Bordeaux wines?
They serve as selling tools to validate purchases.
Have the expensive wines of Pomerol ever been classified?
No, they have never been classified.
Who requested the 1855 Classification of Médoc and Sauternes?
Napoléon III.
Why did wine brokers rank the wines for the 1855 Classification?
The château owners would not submit to self-ranking.
What do the rankings in the 1855 Classification reflect?
The château, not the actual vineyard.
What happens to the classification if a château acquires more vineyards?
The resultant wines retain their classification.
What happens to a château’s ranking when it is split among heirs?
The resultant estates retain their ranking.
What is a unique aspect of Cantemerle in the 1855 Classification?
It was absent from the original map but appeared in subsequent printings.
Which château was elevated to First Growth status in 1973?
Mouton-Rothschild.
How has the 1855 Classification rankings held up over time?
They have held up well, but some estates would rise or fall if ranked today.
What is unique about Château D’Yquem in the Sauternes classification?
It is the only Superior First Growth.
How many châteaux are included in the 1953 Classification of Graves?
16 châteaux.
How many classifications are there for Grand Cru Classés of St Emilion?
Three classifications.
What are the three classifications of St Emilion?
- Premier Grand Cru Classé A
- Premier Grand Cru Classé B
- Grand Cru Classé
How often are the classifications for St Emilion updated?
Approximately every 10 years.
