|
|
Two of Bordeaux's best-known winemakers are on trial on charges of "manipulating" the St.Emilion classification system. Hubert de Boüard, owner of Château Angélus, and Philippe Castéja, owner of Château Trotte Vieille are accused of influencing the classification of their own wines and the inclusion of other wineries in the classification.
The owners of three other châteaux, whose wines were not included in the system or achieved Grand Cru Classé status, have sued. This categorisation is said to increase wine prices by up to 30 percent. The accusation is that the defendants, as influential members of the INAO (National Institute for Origin and Quality), have better classified their own wines and those of clients with whom they have consulting contracts, thus driving up wine prices. The classification system of St. Emilion has been criticised since 2012, as the tasting notes only account for 30 percent of the assessment. In case of a conviction, de Boüard and Castéja are facing up to five years in prison and up to 500,000 euro fine. The defendants deny all charges.
(al /source: drinksbusiness; photo: Alexander Lupersböck)