Bordeaux Wine Classification Systems

Questions and Answers

Who created the 1855 Grand Cru Classe?

Napoleon III

How many valid classification systems are in place in Bordeaux?

What are the recognized wine classifications in Bordeaux?

The 1855 Grand Cru Classe, The Graves classification, The Saint-Emilion classification, The Crus Bourgeois du Medoc classification, The Crus Artisans classification

What are the top quality districts for Bordeaux?

Medoc, Graves, Sauternes, Barsac, St-Emilion, Pomerol Signup and view all the answers

Which wines were included in the 1855 Grand Cru Classe?

Only red wines from the Médoc, the Sauternes and Barsac sweet white wines, and one Graves red cru Signup and view all the answers

The structure for the 1855 Grand Cru Classe includes , , , , and .

Premier Crus, Deuxiemes Crus, Troisiemes Crus, Quatriemes Crus, Cinquiemes Crus Signup and view all the answers

Which is the only Bordeaux wine to be classified twice?

Chateau Haut-Brion Signup and view all the answers

What is the criteria for the Graves classification?

By municipality and wine type (red or white) Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the Graves classification?

Only one classification level, no hierarchy Signup and view all the answers

How many Crus are in the Graves classification?

16 Signup and view all the answers

How many Crus are in the Saint-Emilion classification?

82 Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the Saint-Emilion classification?

Premiers Grands Crus classés, Grands Crus classés Signup and view all the answers

What is the criteria for the Saint-Emilion classification?

The INAO must revise the classification every ten years Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the Crus Bourgeois classification?

Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, Cru Bourgeois Supérieurs, Cru Bourgeois Signup and view all the answers

What is the criteria for the Crus Bourgeois classification?

The quality and value of red wines produced in one of the eight Médoc appellations Signup and view all the answers

What are the eight Médoc appellations under the Crus Bourgeois classification?

Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Listrac, Moulis, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe Signup and view all the answers

How many Crus are in the Crus Bourgeois classification?

240 to 260 properties; classifications last for 5 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the Crus Artisans?

Only one classification level, falls just below Crus Bourgeois Signup and view all the answers

What is the criteria for the Crus Artisans classification?

The quality and value of red wines produced in one of the eight Médoc appellations Signup and view all the answers

How many Crus are in the Crus Artisans classification?

36 Signup and view all the answers

What does AOP mean?

Appellation d'Origine Protégée Signup and view all the answers

What does IGP mean?

Indication Géographiques Protégée Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

1855 Grand Cru Classe

Created by Napoleon III for the 1855 World's Fair in Paris.
Includes 5 quality tiers with a total of 88 wineries.
Only features red wines from Médoc, sweet white wines from Sauternes and Barsac, along with one Graves red cru.
Structure consists of Premier Crus, Deuxiemes Crus, Troisiemes Crus, Quatriemes Crus, and Cinquiemes Crus.
Chateau Haut-Brion is the only wine classified twice, in both Graves and 1855 categories.

Classification Systems in Bordeaux

Five valid classification systems recognized:
- 1855 Grand Cru Classe
- Graves classification
- Saint-Emilion classification
- Crus Bourgeois du Medoc classification
- Crus Artisans classification

Bordeaux Wine Districts

Top quality districts include Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Barsac, Saint-Emilion, and Pomerol.

Graves Classification

Based on municipality and wine type (red or white).
Single classification level without hierarchy featuring 16 Crus.

Saint-Emilion Classification

Comprises 82 Crus, structured into Premiers Grands Crus classés and Grands Crus classés.
Reviewed every ten years by the INAO.

Crus Bourgeois Classification

Includes Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, Cru Bourgeois Superieures, and Cru Bourgeois.
Evaluates quality and value of red wines from eight Médoc appellations:
- Médoc
- Haut-Médoc
- Listrac
- Moulis
- Margaux
- Saint-Julien
- Pauillac
- Saint-Estèphe
Contains 240 to 260 properties; classification lasts for five years.

Crus Artisans Classification

Features a single classification level, positioned below Cru Bourgeois.
Consists of 36 Crus, assessing quality and value of red wines from one of the eight Médoc appellations.

Wine Classification Terms

AOP: Appellation d'Origine Protégée, indicating wine originates from a regulated region.
IGP: Indication Géographique Protégée, a quality category ranking between Vin de France and AOP.

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Test your knowledge on the Bordeaux wine classification systems, including the prestigious 1855 Grand Cru Classe and various other classifications like Graves and Saint-Emilion. Explore important wine districts and their characteristics through this quiz.