Study Bordeaux: Quatrième Cru

Question 1

Of the 4 riverside communal appellations of the Médoc, which leans hardest on Merlot, and why?

Accepted Answer

Saint-Estèphe, at 40% of the plantings against 50% for Cabernet Sauvignon, an answer to its heavier clay. Inland, Listrac-Médoc goes further still: there merlot leads.

Question 2

What is the Tertre de Fronsac, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A rise of 76 meters above the meeting of the Isle and the Dordogne, high ground where little else passes 50. For much of the 18th century Fronsac sold above Pomerol.

Question 3

How many communes make Sauternes, and which are they?

Accepted Answer

5: Barsac, Bommes, Fargues, Preignac and Sauternes.

Question 4

When was the classification of the Graves established, and how many tiers does it have?

Accepted Answer

Approved in 1953 and completed in 1959. 1 tier only, Cru Classé de Graves, with separate red and white lists.

Question 5

How often is the Cru Bourgeois classification redrawn, and what are its tiers?

Accepted Answer

Every 5 years. Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, from the lowest up. The current list is the 2025 classification, valid for the 2023 to 2027 vintages.

Question 6

Château Brane-Cantenac: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Margaux AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Margaux-Cantenac, in the former commune of Cantenac.

Question 7

Château Cos d’Estournel: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Saint-Estèphe AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Saint-Estèphe.

Question 8

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Saint-Julien AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle.

Question 9

Château Durfort-Vivens: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Margaux AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Margaux-Cantenac.

Question 10

Château Gruaud-Larose: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Saint-Julien AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle.

Question 11

Château Lascombes: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Margaux AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Margaux-Cantenac.

Question 12

Château Léoville Barton: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Saint-Julien AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle.

Question 13

Château Léoville-Las Cases: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Saint-Julien AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle.

Question 14

Château Léoville Poyferré: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Saint-Julien AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle.

Question 15

Château Montrose: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Saint-Estèphe AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Saint-Estèphe.

Question 16

Château Pichon Baron: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Pauillac AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Pauillac.

Question 17

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Pauillac AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Pauillac.

Question 18

Château Rauzan-Gassies: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Margaux AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Margaux-Cantenac.

Question 19

Château Rauzan-Ségla: which rank in the Classification of 1855, and which appellation?

Accepted Answer

Deuxième Cru Classé, Margaux AOC. The estate sits in the commune of Margaux-Cantenac.

Question 20

What rank does Château Figeac hold in Saint-Émilion?

Accepted Answer

Premier Grand Cru Classé A.