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Posted by: Pontac on 2007-04-08, 08:48:41
In 1855 the red wines of the Medoc were rated. This clasification divided the best wines into 5 classes, known in English as 'growths' and in French as 'cru'. Thus there are some First Growth wines, Second and so on till Fifth. Although theclassification took place morethan 150 years ago, it is still a pretty good indication of quality and price. For instance, most people -- even non-wine drinkers - recognise the names of the First Growths ((also known as Premier Crus), which are First Growths Château Lafite-Rothschild (Pauillac) Château Margaux (Margaux) Château Latour (Pauillac) Château Haut-Brion Pessac (Graves) Château Mouton-Rothschild (Pauillac) Since 1855 onlyone change has been made; that was the move of Mouton-Rothschild from second to first The classification affects the prices charged for the wines, and since the wine comes from their own patch of vineyards andproduction cannot be increased there are limited supplies. So the Growths are the stars, the royalty, of Bordeaux hence the references to them in your book. See bbr.com/ wine-knowledge/ classifications.lml? & for more background and a list of all the wineries -- or Chateaux -- classified in 1855 Compared with other appellations such as Burgundy, I think Bordeaux is one of the most understandable. It is mostly about where the grapes are grown. Think of it like a archery target. In the center is the smallest geographical area which is the Chateau, on the very outside is the widest area which is Appellation Bordeaux -- meaning the grapes can come from anywhere. So Ch Latour is in the appellation of Pauillac, which is in the appellation of Medoc, which is in the Appellation of Bordeaux. |
