Ep 374: Bordeaux Classification Systems Explained

After a few conversations, it became clear that M.C. Ice has been very confused about the differences between classification systems in France. Isn't Bordeaux the same as Burgundy? What’s the terminology -- it's it Premier Cru? Grand Cru? What exactly is each place ranking? And why do they do it at all? In this show we get in the weeds on the five classifications of Bordeaux (read the Wine For Normal People book or listen to Ep 59 and 60 to get up to speed on Bordeaux before attempting this!). We talk about their history, what they aimed to achieve and the criteria each use. We try to clear up what each is ranking, how they are ranked and why it all matters. MC Ice was clear by the end, we hope you are too!   Here are the classifications of Bordeaux mentioned in the show: 1855 Classification (with Sauternes and Barsac): The terminology for each level is “Cru”, there are five levels: First-Growths / Premières Crus Second-Growths / Deuxièmes Crus Third-Growths / Troisièmes Crus Fourth-Growths / Quatrièmes Crus Fifth-Growths / Cinquièmes Crus Sauternes and Barsac have first and second growths, and Château d’Yquem is a Great First-Growth / Grand Premier Cru   And the 1961 Proposed classification   Graves Classification Grand Cru Classé de Graves   St Émilion Classification:  Premier Grand Cru Classé 'A'   Premier Grand Cru Classé 'B' Grand Cru Classé St Émilion Grand Cru     Cru Bourgeois Crus Bourgeois Crus Bourgeois Supérieurs Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels   Cru Artisan Classification (only Médoc)   __________________________________________________ Thanks to our sponsors: Thanks to YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make the podcast possible and who we give goodies in return for their help! Check it out today: https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople   Wine Access      Visit: www.wineaccess.com/normal and for a limited time get $20 off your first order of $50 or more!  Wine Access is a web site that has exclusive wines that overdeliver for the price (of which they have a range). They offer top quality wines by selecting diverse, interesting, quality bottles you may not have access to at local shops. Wine Access provides extensive tasting notes, stories about the wine and a really cool bottle hanger with pairings, flavor profile, and serving temps. Wines are warehoused in perfect conditions and shipped in temperature safe packs. Satisfaction is guaranteed! Check it out today! www.wineaccess.com/normal