Collection: Buy Bordeaux Grands Crus

Discovering the Bordeaux Grands Crus

The Bordeaux region holds a leading position in the wine world. 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 properties of the Médoc into five levels (First Growth to Fifth Growth) and the essence of Sauternais into 3 levels (Superior First Growth, First Growth, and Second Growth). This hierarchy is immutable and has not changed since its creation except for the addition of Château Cantemerle in 1855 and the upgrade from Second to First Growth of Château Mouton Rothschild in 1973.

In total, 60 châteaux are classified in the Médoc (+ one in the Pessac-Léognan area -the exception Château Haut-Brion-) and only their first red wine can mention this notion of Grand Cru.

The most prestigious appellations of the region are therefore present : 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 AOC Haut-Médoc (Château La Lagune, Belgrave etc.).

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

The most famous properties of this 1855 ranking are certainly the First Growths : Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Mouton-Rothschild, as well as the First Growth Superior Château Yquem.

The Grands Crus of Saint-Émilion

Another notable ranking 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 ranking evolves every 10 years, allowing for 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 properties are worth a visit, such as Château Trotte Vieille. It should be noted that due to disagreements, Châteaux Cheval Blanc and Ausone were removed from this classification 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 on their red wine, others solely on their white wine and finally some properties for both types. Only one level of hierarchy exists within this classification which is not subject to change.

The most renowned properties among them are certainly Château Haut-Brion, Château Smith Haut Lafitte or even Château Pape Clément.

As you will have understood, several classifications of Grands Crus exist in Bordeaux, distinguishing the most prestigious properties of 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 ensure you identify the wines that will captivate you. For this, do not hesitate to call upon La Cave Éclairée !