Classification of Saint-Emilion
Uniquely in France, the classification of Saint-Emilion wines is revised periodically, in principle every ten years.
The classification dates back to 1955, whereas that of the Médoc dates back to 1855. Château La Marzelle has been among Saint-Emilion's elite since the first edition.
The latest classification, in 2022, confirms La Marzelle as one of the 71 Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Emilion.
It also recognises 12 Premiers Grands Crus Classés B, including 2 Premiers Grands Crus Classés A. This classification requires the estates to be exemplary, as they are the showcase for Saint-Emilion.
This is what La Marzelle has endeavoured to do since the arrival of the Sioen family in 1998.
Association de Grands Crus Classés
Château La Marzelle became a member of the Association de Grands Crus Classés de Saint-Emilion following the new classification in 2012 and the openness advocated by its president, Alain Moueix.
This Association, a showcase for Saint-Emilion, promotes the wines of the medieval town throughout the world. It currently represents 49 of the 71 Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Emilion.
Grand Cercle of the wines of Bordeaux
Château La Marzelle has been a member of the Cercle Rive Droite, created by Alain Raynaud in 2002, since its creation. This association was born out of the idea of promoting the best Right Bank wines in the same way as the Union des Grands Crus, which mainly promotes the leading Left Bank wines.
In 2013, this group of 137 wines joined forces with the 50 wines of the Cercle Rive Gauche, giving birth to the Grand Cercle des Vins de Bordeaux.
The Grand Cercle now includes 125 estates in 27 appellations. It aims to bring together a wealth of talent, with excellence as its watchword.
Unesco
In 1999, Saint-Emilion was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural landscape.
It was a great honour, and a first, for a wine-growing landscape to be included on UNESCO's prestigious list.
This distinction obliges everyone to respect and improve their own living space, to cultivate it in the best possible way and to bring Saint-Emilion's letters of nobility to the world through the production of ever better wines.
Château La Marzelle is perfectly in tune with this trend, adopting the healthiest growing practices in line with the organic philosophy, restoring the buildings in line with the spirit of the place, and promoting the "Saint-Emilion" brand throughout the world, particularly in Belgium, where La Marzelle has become a reference Grand Cru Classé.
Jurade of Saint-Emilion
The Jurade of Saint-Emilion, created in 1199 when Aquitaine was under English rule, monitored and guaranteed the quality of Saint-Emilion wines.
Today, the Jurade continues to carry out its role as the standard-bearer for the colours of Saint-Emilion throughout the world.
120 Jurats wearing red hats and robes adorned with white ermine perpetuate the tradition of guaranteeing the wines of Saint-Emilion. They proclaim the Ban des Vendanges and organise induction ceremonies, with great pomp all over the world.
More than 3,000 members have become ambassadors for our appellation.
There are chancelleries in Flanders, Wallonia, England, Texas, Malta and Hong Kong.