Thanks much Lori for these additional interesting details. I haven’t come across Dewey Markham, Jr.’s book yet. Would be interesting to read I’m sure.
Fair enough, I do realize the distinction between brokers and negociants today. And you are right I didn’t quite pay much attention to the precise distinction between the two now. My mistake.
Was the distinction this precise and organized back in 1855 when the Chamber of Commerce asked the trade to come up with the classification though? Where the negociants not doing any broking activity back then? Would be interesting to know…

In your article “Bordeaux’ 1855 Classification of Médoc Wines – Top 5 Facts & Complete list of Chateaux” point 2, you use the term “négociant” (trader/merchant) and “broker” as if they are the same. In Bordeaux, they are not. Brokers, “courtiers” in French, were the group who made the Classification, not the négociants.

To this day, Brokers organize the transaction between the Châteaux/Producers and the Négociants (merchants), for which they are paid a commission from the négociants.

Dewey Markham, Jr.’s book on the 1855 Classification is THE reference on the subject.

Kind regards,
Lori Westmoreland
Château Léoville Poyferré
Saint-Julien
France