www.bewet.fora.pl

kendi859tf

Wine brokers were charged with compiling a list of the finest chateaux from the finest wine producing region, the Médoc, in which the then 57 Bordeaux appellations were located. The châteaux were to be classed amongst five groups, from premier cru to cinquiem cru, with the reference point for ranking to be the current trading price. The whites of Sauternes and Barsac were also to be listed, but separately, into two classes. At the time this methodology had bearing, as cost often indicated quality. But in modern era this system is inconsequential, as changes in land ownership between châteaux as well as critical wine review have rendered it obsolete.
It is widely agreed upon that Bordeaux produces some of the best wine in the world [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], and is without doubt a hallmark of wine excellence. But wine is best judged on an individual basis, and although the wines of the 1855 classification are of the utmost regard, there are naturally occurring changes introduced to a wine’s character brought on by time and possibly even the evolution of a particular terroir.
Although price was the basis for the classification’s ordering, terroir played a significant role as well [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], as each listing was identified by chateau. Châteaux are representative of the land on which they occupy. But since 1855 the properties have experienced relatively perpetual contraction and expansion due to land trade, and this commerce has even caused some to disappear altogether through château mergers.
Critical Assesment and Its Influence
This is one reason why assessment on an individual basis is paramount for an objective and democratic classification system. As well, an effective critic must be willing to defy the pedigree and reputation of a wine if necessary to properly evoke his critique. With the exception of the promotion of Château Mouton Rothschild in 1973, which was due in no small part to the political influence and stature of Baron Philippe de Rothschild, and the inclusion of Château Cantemerle in 1856 there have been no significant changes to the original ranking, save a chateau’s removal due to merger.
The Role of Terroir
Even though there is much debate as to whether it is terroir, which involves many factors and is scientifically impossible to measure, or vintner practice that gives a wine its character and qualities, land trade alone would render any classification in which terroir has any bearing moot. After all the AOC, which set the archetype for classifying wines which most of the world has followed, is based on the concept of terroir.
Just as well, modern viniculture technique and technology have affected Bordeaux wine, creating a great distinction within the classification..
Read on
Tasting French Wines
Fine Wine Gifts Make a Good Long Term Investment
A Basic Guide to French Bordeaux Wines
Bordeaux's Past and Present
In the mid-19th century [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], as a means of brandishing the regency’s finest commodities and inherencies, a type of world exhibition was held in Paris. The official purpose was to boost the trade worthiness of the country, but this contrivance was also a vehicle to compete with England’s Crystal Palace, which hosted essentially the same type of affair in 1851. Many of France’s best exports were advertised, with wine comprising a relatively small portion of the offerings.
Also some châteaux who were deemed premier cru classé in 1855 have since merged with other properties, granting both premier cru classé status under the original chateau’s label, further evidencing that the 1855 classification is the exception, almost antithesis, of the French regard for terroir.