St Emilion Classification finally settled, for now

According to Decanter it seems the St Emillion classification issues have finally been resolved. In 2006 re-classification took place and many chateaux were rejected causing uproar. The initial 2006 classification had 15 Premiers Grands Crus Classés and 46 Grands Crus Classés, or 61 chateaux in total. After demoted chateaux took the process to a legal battle, the 1996 classification was reinstated, with the newly-promoted chateaux being allowed to keep their status, meaning the number rose to 74.

This 2012 edition sees 18 Premiers Grands Crus Classés and 64 Grands Crus Classés – 82 in total.

The headline changes are inevitably the inclusion for the first time two new Premiers Grands Crus Classés A estates – with Chateau Pavie and Angelus joining Ausone and Cheval Blanc. except Chateau La Tour du Pin Figeac

The full list of the 2012 St Emilion classification was unveiled last night, with 82 Saint Emilion properties anointed either Grand Cru Classé or Premier Grand Cru Classé – the highest number since the second classification in 1969 (when there were 84).

Of the four which mounted a legal challenge against their demotions in 2006 - Chateau La Tour du Pin Figeac, Chateau Cadet Bon, Chateau Guadet and Chateau de la Marzelle - only La Tour du Pin Figeac has not been reinstated. One other estate lost its Grand Cru Classé status – Chateau Corbin Michotte.

The Ministry of Agriculture now has to ratify the classification.