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The classification of Saint-Émilion, which is due for renewal in September, seems to be falling apart: After the châteaux Cheval Blanc, Ausone and Angelus, the Premier Grand Cru Classé Château La Gaffelière is now also withdrawing from the procedure. Owner Alexandre de Malet Roquefort told the French wine magazine "Terre de Vins": "During the evaluation of our dossier, the quality of our terroir was explicitly questioned, although it has not changed for thousands of years and the configuration is practically the same - except for 60 ares dedicated to white wine production - as in the last classification in 2012! As for the tasting, it seems we were judged by amateurs who rated a vintage like 2013 better than 2018 or 2019. That's too much."
The decision to withdraw from the classification was made among the family: "I consulted with my siblings and we agreed that we shouldn't mess with people who ignore 1,600 years of history. The terroir of La Gaffelière on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion has been known and recognised since Gallo-Roman times!".
The Saint-Émilion estates are classified every ten years, but the classification for 2022 has been causing unrest and even court battles for a year. This leaves only Château Pavie as Premier Grand Cru Classé.
(al / Source: Terre de Vins; Photo: 123rf, wjarek)
More on the topic:
Château Ausone and Cheval Blanc renounce Cru classification
Château Angélus co-owner sentenced for "illegal protection of interests