St Emilion classification to go ahead

The St Emilion classification has finally been signed off by the French government.

The legal notification of the classification, which has been in limbo since it was sent to the French Ministry of Agriculture in January 2011, was published in the Journal Officiel on June 16.

This means that despite continuing internal wrangling, the classification is indeed going ahead.

All Chateaux – including those aspiring to the very top ranks, Grand Cru, Grand Cru Classe, and Premier Grand Cru Classé – will be tasted blind.

Wines will be assessed on taste, their terroir, where they sit in the market, and their existing reputation.

‘I expect there are still some people who will disagree with the results,’ Saint Emilion president Jean-Francois Quenin told Decanter.com.

European Union Labeling Changes Affect U.S. Exporters

Did you know that currently in the U.S., approximately 60 wineries use the word “chateau” and 15 use the word “clos” on their labels?

Initially, the EU allowed continued use of these terms for a period of three years, with successive extensions of two-year periods. However, prior to expiration of the first extension, the EU told U.S. producers to cease using these terms.

Read more at: http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&content=88948&htitle=Wine%20Export%20Forum%20Focuses%20on%20EU