The Real Review Wine Classification identifies and rewards wines of pedigree and track record. Learn more about eligibility criteria.
The Real Review Wine Classification identifies and rewards wines of pedigree and track record with ageing potential over a long period. Each wine has demonstrated its quality in our blind tastings over a period of at least ten years. Many of the wines in our Classification have earned their place over several decades.
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CLASSIFICATION TIERS
Being classified is an amazing achievement. There are three Classification tiers, denoted by one, two or three Merits.
3 MERIT WINES
Iconic wines of the country, wines of true provenance and exemplary track record. Fewer than 0.5% of wines produced achieve this tier. Most of these wines have received gold ribbons for recent vintages. Top vintages will score 98 points or more.
2 MERIT WINES
Wines that achieve gold and high silver ribbons in recent vintages, with top vintages achieving 96 points or more.
1 MERIT WINES
Wines that reliably achieve gold and silver ribbons in recent vintages, with top vintages achieving 95 points or more.
Selection and eligibility
The Real Review Wine Classification is determined by a proprietary algorithm. Each wine has demonstrated its quality in our blind tastings over a period of at least ten years. Recent reviews have more influence on a wine’s Classification than older ones. There is absolutely no manual sorting. No person decides a wine's position on this list.
- At least ten back vintages must be reviewed for a wine to be considered for classification. We understand that a wine may not be produced every vintage, and thus the vintages tasted do not need to be consecutive.
- Still wines: Min. 10 vintages tasted. Wine must be current, and the latest vintage reviewed not longer than 8 years ago
- Sparkling wines (vintage or NV): min. 5 vintages (NV: bottlings covering at least 2 years) tasted. The oldest vintage/bottling must be 10 or more years ago. Wine must be current, and the latest vintage/bottling reviewed not longer than 8 years ago.
- Fortified wines: Min. 3 vintages (NV: bottlings covering at least 2 years) tasted. The oldest vintage/bottling must be 10 or more years ago. Wine must be current, and the latest vintage/bottling reviewed not longer than 8 years ago
- When ten vintages of a wine in production have been reviewed, it is automatically considered for classification.
Wines for the Wine Classification lists are tasted throughout the year.
HOW OFTEN IS THE CLASSIFICATION UPDATED?
The Real Review Wine Classification will be updated annually based on our rolling reviews of ten vintages tasted. A wine that has been classified will retain its tier for at least four years. During that period, the wine has the opportunity to improve its tier in the annual review. This ensures continuity in the face of one or two poor vintages. If, after four years, the wine’s quality falls below the tier’s standard, it will lose a Merit or be de-classified. Each classified wine meeting the annual Classification assessment will also have its tier extended by a further four years.
Promotional opportunities
If you've received a Merit, congratulations! Learn more about our promotional tools and make the most of your awards.
Wineries and trade can use their wines’ current Classification in their marketing material subject to our terms of use. They must have a Plus tier membership of The Real Review. Please contact us with any questions.