The Bordeaux Classification Right Bank
With this year’s En Primeur campaign well and truly underway, we wanted to make sure that our clients are well versed with the terminology used in the world of Bordeaux Wines.
We’re going to continue our trip round Bordeaux by heading North and East, to the historic villages of the Right Bank and look at how the classifications work in the famous vineyards of Saint Émilion and Pomerol.
The Grand Crus de Saint-Émilion
The Classification system for the Grand Crus of Saint-Émilion started in 1954 and was designed to allow for the best and most consistent producers to shine. 70 years later it has the dubious honour of currently being Bordeaux’s most controversial classification arrangement. (more follow)
To begin with, a little explanation of how the appellation and labelling works in Saint Émilion. Saint-Émilion AOC is for wines produced within a certain area surrounding the 8th century village of the same name. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC are not yet classified wines, but they are produced with tighter production rules.
The way the classification works is that if you’ve made Grand Cru standard wines for at least 10 years, you can ask to be classified at the next classification session (One every 10 year) and become Grand Cru Classé. Those Grand Cru Classé who consistently show the best win es, as well as other factors, can be promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé. This is also split between Premier Grand Cru Classé A and Premier Grand Cru Classé B to distinguish between the best of the best.
Where the Controversy Begins
Now for the controversy. Remember that it is also possible to be downgraded at each successive classification. This is where the problems began. The 2006 session downgraded 4 particularly disgruntled producers, whose legal challenge saw the annulment of the whole 2006 classification in favour of reverting to that of 1996. A hastily arranged 2012 classification did little to assuage rising dissatisfaction.
That dissatisfaction also surrounded the marking system, where the wines are very much the main marker for quality, but scores for branding and marketing, as well as terroir and vineyard techniques, became the source of many heated disagreements. By the 2022 classification, three of the most famous and sought-after producers—Château Angélus, Château Ausone, and Château Cheval Blanc—had left the system entirely.
Where Does It Leave the Wines of Saint-Émilion
To be perfectly frank, nothing really changes. Despite the politics and legal machinations, it’s important to remember that if a wine is classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé, it’s undoubtedly a fabulous wine.
The 12 Premier Grand Cru Classé B (including the likes of Château Canon and Clos Fourtet) and 2 Premier Grand Cru Classé A (namely Château Pavie and Château Figeac) are truly worthy to be part of any collection, as too remain Angélus, Ausone and Cheval Blanc. Whatever else goes on with this classification system, at least we can rely on it.
Pomerol Classifications
On the complete opposite scale, the classification of Pomerol estates is mercifully simple. There aren’t any!
That’s not to say that they aren’t Pomerol producers that are more sought after than others. The likes of Château Pétrus, Château Le Pin and Château Clinet are firm favourites with collectors and produce top quality, age-worthy wines on a consistent basis.
Pomerol, more so than the rest of Bordeaux’s fine wine appellations requires in-depth knowledge of each producer. Make sure to look at our selection of Pomerol producers on our website. We have a lot of material on them!
150 Word Newsletter
With this year’s En Primeur campaign well and truly underway, we wanted to make sure that our clients are well versed with the terminology used in the world of Bordeaux Wines.
We’re going to continue our trip round Bordeaux by heading North and East, to the historic villages of the Right Bank and look at how the classifications work in the famous vineyards of Saint Émilion and Pomerol.
- We explain the quality appellations and classifications of Saint Émilion
- We explore the classification in detail and how producers can be crowned amongst the best of the best
- We tackle the current controversies surround the classification and whether this effects how we should see the wines for investment and collection
- We also look at how it works in the Right Bank’s other famous fine wine region of Pomerol and why it’s so important to be in the know
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