St Emilion's promoted chateaux win appeal

The 2006 Saint-Emilion classification which was scrapped by the French Court of Appeal in March has been partially reinstated.

A law passed on May 13 contained a footnote clarifying that the six chateaux promoted to Grand Cru Classe in 2006 – Chateau Bellefont-Belcier, Destieux, Fleur Cardinale, Grand Corbin, Grand Corbin Despagne and Monbousquet – would be able to keep their status with immediate effect, and date it back to the date of the classification.

The ruling also applies to the two properties which had been promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classe – Pavie Maquin and Troplong Mondot.

The saga has been ongoing since July 2008 when the 2006 classification was annulled. The 1996 classification will still stand for all other properties in Saint-Emilion.