The classification system of Saint - Emilion wines has the characteristic of being subject to revision. In fact, this statement is not just a simple line that thickens some kind of agreement from decades ago but a reality that has been implemented, approximately every ten years, and which has its consequences. However, after the 2006 revision there were only 5 years until the new one which took place in 2011, when it was decided to review all the classification again.

The 2012 classification regulation was approved in June last year and it took into account no more and no less than eighty-two different wine properties. This comprehensive review resulted in almost a year of work against the clock (i.e. ten months uninterrupted).

Water plays a decisive role on the development of Médoc grapes and their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and their location, near the Gironde, set features and is probably the cause of that French wines from this region are the inspiration for all other wines of this country and some abroad. It is no coincidence that the region of Pauillac is precisely here.

It does not seem coincidental either that Pauillac is among the most prestigious wine regions around Bordeaux, just as Margaux, Saint Estèphe and Saint Julien are.

Pessac-Léognan wine is part of an appellation of origin is located inside the wines of Graves a wine region which is located in Bordeaux (France). This appellation is known both for its red wines and for its white wines.

Despite the tradition of winemaking, the designation was created in September 1987 as a sub-region of the southern part of Graves, which is located in Bordeaux. The purpose of its creation was to recognize its most representative producers, which are concentrated in the towns of Pessac, Talence and Léognan. Read more

Margaux wine shows elegance, nobility and luxury for the senses. It is recognized worldwide for the artisan spirit that has become one of the most peculiar and extremely high price. But Who does not like being spoiled from time to time?

Well, this time will be a good one, high quality, a red one that will take us to new worlds. These wines are designed especially for lovers and purest connoisseurs of wine.

To connoisseurs, those who carry out a high society celebration... since Margaux wine always guarantee success, closely linked to the aristocracy. We offer you some examples, temptations perhaps available to very few and if you have the opportunity to taste them, you will know the glory. Read more

As a testament to the chateau's commitment to lowering its carbon footprint, 20,000 bottles of Smith Haut Lafitte are due to begin their journey from Bordeaux to Montreal on July 21 not by the usual container ship, but by a 106 year old British sailing ship called Bessie Ellen. Bessie Ellen will take the bottles on a slower and more expensive path than usual, but the owner and shipping company cite several benefits to this alternate method. Owner Daniel Cathiard believes that winery clients will appreciate the reduced environmental impact, and the shipping company, CTMV, claims that in a blind tasting wines that crossed the ocean by sailing ship showed better than those that went by container due to a perceived one year increase in age.

Though CTMV plans to make this a regular route, it is not yet clear how many other wineries will jump on board. However, if the increase in cost becomes a factor, the chateau could always consider selling spots on the ship to connoisseurs interested in "monitoring" the progress of the wine during the trip.

France has been slipping for a while from it's lofty seat at the top of the wine world  due to increased competition across the globe but also internal problems such as inconsistent quality standards, lack of government support, and the recent move among younger generations away from wine to beer and spirits. Yet the country's wine reputation still stems from having some of the world's top vineyards and producers. When you mention France many consumers continue to  conjure up images of first growth Bordeaux, rare Burgundies, and grand Champagne houses. But even this illustrious reputation is now being threatened it seems, for as The Independent recently reported, a senior French wine official has declared that French wine will become "like Coca Cola".

It is a disturbing thought, but some believe it's France's best option to compete, saying the top and upper middle tiered producers can remain unchanged but the lower tiers will benefit from being consolidated to create more uniform wines of dependable quality that will challenge Australian and other New World wines on the cheap and cheerful shelves of your supermarket. 

Is this a win for value seeking consumers disappointed by uneven quality or a tragic loss for the beloved and very French idea of terroir?