Authorities in the USA are investigating eight wine estates in Saint-Emilion with regard to possible contraventions of descriptive regulations.

The US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has initiated investigations into eight wine estates. Well-known châteaux such as Pavie Macquin, Château Troplong Mondot or Monbousquet are under suspicion of having contravened existing laws. The background lies in the new classifications in Saint-Emilion - all of the estates concerned were upgraded in the classification - as well as in the court's decision to annul the new classification. There is uncertainty both in France and in the USA whether the estates are still entitled to bear the designations Grand Cru Classé resp. Premier Grand Cru Classé or not. (WF)