Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés

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 Grands Crus Classés of 1855

Thus, the most famous of these classifications is certainly that of the Grands Crus Classés of 1855. Established at the request of Napoleon III for the Paris Universal Exposition, it ranks the best Médoc estates into five levels (First Growth to Fifth Growth) and the finest Sauternes estates 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 elevation 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 awarded in the Sauternes AOC (Château Suduiraut, Sigalas-Rabaud etc.) and Barsac (Château Climens, Coutet etc.). Here, only the first sweet wines from these estates may display the Grand Cru designation 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 Classé 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 developments 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 awarded.

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

The Crus of Graves

Finally, there is the classification of the Crus of Graves. Created in 1953 and revised in 1959, it lists 16 Crus, all belonging to the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Here, some châteaux are classified solely 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 among them 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 most prestigious estates in the region. Nevertheless, while these have a certain value, they should not be taken as an absolute reference.Indeed, since these hierarchies are immutable and date back one to two centuries, it is important to seek advice to be sure to identify the wines that will excite you. For this, do not hesitate to contact La Cave Éclairée !