Classification Systems of Bordeaux Flashcards
In addition to Bordeaux’s appellations, the region also has quality hierarchies for nearly all of its high quality wines.
note worth is the 1855 classification
what its synonyms you would often hear regarding the 1855 classification?
Grand cru Classe
Cru classe
How was the 1855 classification conducted? how were the wines judged into their tiers?
The 1855 classification of grand cru classé (often referred to as cru classé) is based on prices then being achieved for the wines of:
Medoc (plus Ch. Haut-Brion in the Graves) and Sauternes.
The wines of the Médoc were ranked into First to Fifth growths,
Sauternes into first and second growths, with Ch. d’Yquem being awarded a special category of its own, Premier Cru Supérieur
How different does the 1855 classification look today vs when it was put in place?
How much has it changed?
There have been minor modifications to the 1855 classification, but
it remains essentially unaltered today and continues to affect prices paid.
what % of production makes up Cru Classe wines in the Medoc?
25%
Classed growths must be ____ at the _____, though today many other wineries also bottle on their own estates.
bottled at the estate
How many properties or chateaux from the Medoc and Graves are included in the 1855 classification?
how are the tiers or growths are ranked?
60 leading properties or châteaux from the Médoc and one from the Graves,
Ranked in five tiers, referred to as crus or growths,
From first growths, or premiers crus, down to fifth growths, or cinquièmes crus.
The Graves classification
In 1959, the Graves established a list based on pricing, fame and quality as judged by tasting. Altogether there are 16 classified
châteaux, for their red, white or both, all located within the sub region of Pessac Léognan.
The Graves classification is a simple list with no sub-divisions and can be for red and white wines
The Saint-Émilion classification:
Does this have its own region or is it based on the wines themselves?
This is not based on a set area or region but rather the wines made within a certain region.
This classification only applies to some wines within the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, the name of the appellation.
(In other words, wines that are Saint-Émilion AOC or simply labelled as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC are not within the classification.)
The Saint-Émilion classification:
What area does this cover?
The Saint-Émilion classification – This classification only applies to some wines within the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, the name of the appellation. (In other words, wines that are
Saint-Émilion AOC or simply labelled as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC are not within the
classification.)
The Saint-Émilion classification:
When was it put in place?
How is status awarded (what criteria is analysed)?
What are the Three tiers applicable to the Saint-Emilion classification?
When was the last classification?
The classification dates back to 1955 and has been revised at approximately 10-yearly intervals ever since.
Châteaux are judged on their terroir, methods of production, reputation and commercial considerations and a blind tasting of at least 10 vintages.
The classification includes three tiers:
Premier Grand Cru A,
Premier Grand Cru B
Grand Cru Classé.
The most recent revision of 2012 still stands.
The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc classification
Created in 1932, Cru Bourgeois is a level below Cru Classé, but still of superior quality.
In 2010, it was revised with the Cru Bourgeois label awarded
annually to individual wines rather than to châteaux as a mark of quality based on an assessment of both production methods and the finished product.
Any property in the Médoc may apply.
From the 2018 vintage on, châteaux will be classified as one of three tiers of quality:
Cru Bourgeois,
Cru Bourgeois Supérieur Cru
Bourgeois Exceptionnel,
this classification will last for five years
As Pomerol doesn’t have a classification system, give an example of an estate within the region that is known for its high reputation
Petrus
Controversy in the Classification systems
Why might some consumers have problems with the Saint-Émilion classification?
Why would the Graves classification be due for a revision?
The use of the term ‘Grand Cru’ in the name of the Saint-Émilion appellation is regarded by many outside of the region as misleading.
The Graves classification is due for revision with too many high quality estates not included in the current list, but that may not happen as the proprietors fear a repetition of the disputes that have discredited the Saint-Émilion classification
