Introduction to The Real Review Wine Classification
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A minimum of 10 vintages must be reviewed in order the achieve a Classification. The Real Review
The Real Review Wine Classification Feature Week
This week at The Real Review we are celebrating the third revision of our Wine Classifications of Australia and New Zealand.
This initiative was inspired by several things. The only other classifications of Australian wine are based on market value, and we believed there was a need for one based on objectively assessed quality. We also wanted to provide more information about the greatest Australian (and New Zealand) wines for our readers’ benefit, and also for the use of wine producers, the trade and the industry. As well, it seemed sensible to further utilise the data we have amassed over the years since The Real Review debuted.
The only other classifications of Australian wine are based on market value, and we believed there was a need for one based on objectively assessed quality.The Australia and New Zealand Classifications were commenced concurrently in 2022 and were revised in the winters of 2023, 2024 and now again this year. They will continue to be revised every year.
The criteria are clearly outlined in the articles published under the Classification tab on our website:
There are three Classification levels: 1, 2 and 3 Merits. They are signified by the Merit symbol, M, MM or MMM.
A minimum of 10 vintages must be reviewed in order the achieve a Classification. Special rules apply for non-vintage and fortified wines.
Every year the revision allows new wines to be classified as they reach the magic number of 10 vintages. If they improve, they may be upgraded to the next highest tier, and this opportunity comes every year. On the other hand, if they slip, they aren’t demoted immediately, but are given a grace period: if they under-perform for four consecutive years, they may be down-tiered.
As we have done in previous years, we will be celebrating the revision of the Classifications in Sydney with The Wine Classification Dinner.
Our hearty congratulations go to the producers of all classified wines, especially those that have been up-tiered, and a warm welcome to those which have entered the Classification for the first time.