Buy Bordeaux Grands Crus

Discovering the Bordeaux Grands Crus

The Bordeaux region holds a leading position in the world of wine. Located in the southwest of France, Bordeaux is indeed renowned for its exceptional terroirs, its emblematic grape varieties (mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot) as well as its millennia-old winemaking history. Furthermore, one of the region’s particularities is the presence of various classifications distinguishing the most prestigious estates.

The 1855 Classified Grands Crus

Thus, the most famous of these classifications is certainly that of the 1855 Classified Grands Crus. Established at the request of Napoleon III for the Paris Universal Exhibition, it ranks the best Médoc estates into five levels (First Growth to Fifth Growth) and the finest of Sauternes into three levels (Premier Cru Supérieur, Premier Cru, and Deuxième Cru). This hierarchy is immutable and has not changed since its creation, except for the addition of Château Cantemerle in 1855 and the promotion of Château Mouton Rothschild from Second to First Growth in 1973.

In total, 60 châteaux are classified in the Médoc (+ one in the Pessac-Léognan area—the exception being Château Haut-Brion), and only their first red wine can bear the mention of Grand Cru. The region’s most prestigious appellations are therefore represented : Pauillac (Château Pontet-Canet, Château Pichon Longueville, etc.), Saint-Julien (Château Gruaud Larose, Château Lagrange, etc.), Saint-Estèphe (Château Calon-Ségur, Château Montrose, Cos d’Estournel, etc.), Margaux (Château Brane-Cantenac, Château Palmer, Château Giscours, etc.) but also the Haut-Médoc AOC (Château La Lagune, Belgrave, etc.).

In addition, 27 estates are also recognized in the Sauternes AOC (Château Suduiraut, Sigalas-Rabaud, etc.) and Barsac (Château Climens, Coutet, etc.). Here, only the first sweet wines from these estates can display the Grand Cru mention on their bottles.

The most famous estates in this 1855 classification are certainly the First Growths Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Mouton-Rothschild, as well as the Premier Cru Supérieur Château Yquem.

The Grands Crus of Saint-Émilion

Another notable classification in the region is that of the Grands Crus of Saint-Émilion. Saint-Émilion is an appellation located on the right bank of the Garonne and is known for its elegant red wines, generally dominated by Merlot (nearly 80% of the vineyard).

Established in 1955, this classification evolves every 10 years, thus allowing changes according to the qualitative evolution of the estates. Its hierarchy includes 3 levels : Premier Grand Cru Classé A, Premier Grand Cru Classé B, and Grand Cru Classé. In total, 85 châteaux are recognized.

The most prestigious among them are certainly Châteaux Figeac and Pavie, although many other estates are worth discovering, such as Château Trotte Vieille. It should be noted that following disagreements, Châteaux Cheval Blanc and Ausone withdrew from this classification in 2022, the date of the last update.

The Crus of Graves

Finally, there is the Graves Crus classification. Created in 1953 and revised in 1959, it lists 16 Crus, all belonging to the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Here, some châteaux are classified only for their red wine, others only for their white wine and finally some estates for both types. Only one level of hierarchy exists within this classification, which is not subject to change.

The most renowned estates in this classification are certainly Château Haut-Brion, Château Smith Haut Lafitte and also Château Pape Clément.

As you will have understood, several classifications of Grands Crus therefore exist in Bordeaux, distinguishing the region’s most prestigious estates. Nevertheless, while these have a certain value, they should not be taken as an absolute reference. Indeed, as these hierarchies are immutable and date back one or two centuries, it is important to seek advice to be sure to identify the wines that will truly move you. For this, do not hesitate to contact La Cave Éclairée !