St. Emilion is known for its exceptional wines, and two of the most prestigious classifications in the region are St. Emilion Grand Cru and Grand Cru Classé. While both designations signify high-quality wines, there are some key differences between the two.
1. Classification System:
The classification system in St. Emilion is complex and is revised periodically. The highest classification is Premier Grand Cru Classé A, followed by Premier Grand Cru Classé B, Grand Cru Classé, and finally, Grand Cru. Grand Cru vineyards are those located within the designated area of St. Emilion, while Grand Cru Classé vineyards are a subset of the Grand Cru vineyards that have been further classified based on their quality.
2. Quality Criteria:
To be classified as Grand Cru, a vineyard must meet certain standards set by the St. Emilion appellation. These criteria include factors such as vine density, grape varieties, and yield limitations. On the other hand, Grand Cru Classé vineyards undergo a more rigorous evaluation process, considering additional factors such as vine age, terroir, historical reputation, and winemaking techniques. Thus, Grand Cru Classé vineyards are considered to be of even higher quality than regular Grand Cru vineyards.
3. Number of Vineyards:
There are over 200 vineyards classified as Grand Cru in St. Emilion, making it a relatively common designation. In contrast, the Grand Cru Classé classification is much more exclusive, with only a select number of vineyards achieving this prestigious status. Currently, there are 82 vineyards classified as Grand Cru Classé, further divided into two tiers: Classé A (the top 18 vineyards) and Classé B (the remaining 64 vineyards).
4. Wine Quality:
Due to the stricter quality criteria and limited number of vineyards, Grand Cru Classé wines are generally expected to be of higher quality than regular Grand Cru wines. The Grand Cru Classé wines often exhibit greater complexity, finesse, and ageability. These wines are produced from vineyards that have a proven track record of consistently producing exceptional wines over time.
5. Reputation and Price:
The Grand Cru Classé classification has a long-standing reputation and is highly regarded by wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Wines from these vineyards often command higher prices due to their prestigious status and perceived superior quality. On the other hand, while Grand Cru wines are also respected, they may not have the same level of prestige or price point as the Grand Cru Classé wines.
The main difference between St. Emilion Grand Cru and Grand Cru Classé lies in the classification system, quality criteria, number of vineyards, and perceived wine quality. While both designations denote high-quality wines, the Grand Cru Classé classification is more exclusive, with stricter standards and a higher level of prestige.