In 1935, the Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO) was created to delimit and enforce France’s wine appellation system.
The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée system, using early, self-imposed guidelines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape as a model, stipulated limits on yields, vineyard density, training and pruning techniques, grape varieties, methods of production, minimum alcohol levels, minimum must weights, and the geographical boundaries of each appellation. AOC wines must pass a tasting panel. The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) became a model for many other European appellation systems, as France’s controlled appellations assured authenticity and, to a degree, style. The INAO awarded the first AOCs in 1936; by 2017, 363 AOC appellations were granted for wine and brandy, while nearly 100 more were awarded to agricultural products (such as cheese and other foods). Over 75% of France’s wines and eaux-de-vie were released as AOC—hardly the intention of the system’s original proponents, who wished to protect and enshrine France’s most valuable wines. Like most appellation systems, France’s AOC had become a bloated category and one not necessarily indicative of quality.In 2007, the INAO, which oversees the protected appellations of wines, spirits, cheeses, and other foodstuffs, became the L’Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité—although it retained its former acronym. The INAO brought its appellation system in line with new EU standards in 2009 and established the category of Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP). French AOPs fall within the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) category, and the existing AOC and the new AOP designations
Question: I know that the 1855 classification saw only one change in 1973 for Mouton-Rothschild elevated to 1st Growth, but doing some research I once found this document saying that there were 3 changes to the classification: 1856 Cantemerle was added as 5th Growth; 1960 Chateau Dubignon a third Growth in Margaux was absorbed into the Chateau Malescot-St. Exupery and 1973 already mentioned. Are these other changes accurate ???
Yes, I actually found a note on my file that said that many chateaux didn't apply anymore because not happy about the system, but thanks for your prompt response. I'm trying to study as much as I can, in those difficult times, I want to try to go for the advanced level so badly, once things will go back to normal. I appreciate your help, if I have some other questions you do you mind if I reach out? Sincerely Angelo
angelo secolo You're welcome! So after the 2003 classification was contested, many high level producers never bothered to reapply. Others saw that consumers didn't see any difference in the tiers and expected all of them to be priced at entry level. Still others complained that the system isn't very rigorous (more weight being put on factors other than tasting, and even tasting is marked very generously). There's a number of reasons, but with producers like these who can stand on their own, it's understandable.
Hi Martin, proceeding with my studies of Bordeaux, reviewing the updated info here in GuildSomm and confronting them with my previous files. The Cru Bourgeois Classification was updated in 2018 (I think I missed that), from the previous update of 2003 we had 9 Cru Exceptionnels, now it's 14. Going over this new update (2018) I noticed that almost all the previous 9 Exceptionnels are not even listed in any of the three tiers. My question is: what happened to Chateaux Chasse-Spleen, Haut0Marbuzet, Phelan-Segur; Siran, Potensac, Poujeaux ????
I see, thanks a lot again for clarifying. You have been very helpful!!!
Sorry, that should read second je fus :)