Collection: Purchase of Bordeaux Grands Crus

Discovering the Bordeaux Grands Crus

The Bordeaux region occupies a prominent place in the
wine world. Located in the south-west of France,Bordeauxis indeed famous
for its exceptional terroirs, its emblematic grape varieties (mainly
Cabernet Sauvignon,Cabernet FrancAndMerlot) as well as its history
thousand-year-old vitiviniculture. Moreover, one of the peculiarities of the region
is the presence of different classifications distinguishing the most
prestigious.

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 Universal Exhibition in Paris, it ranks the best properties of the
Médoc in five levels (Premier Cru to Fifth Cru) and the quintessence of Sauternes
in 3 levels (Premier Cru Supérieur, Premier Cru and Second Cru). This hierarchy is
immutable and has not changed since its creation apart from the addition of Château Cantemerle
in 1855 as well as the transition from Second to Premier Cru of Château Mouton Rothschild
in 1973.

A total of 60 castles are classified in the Médoc(+ one on the area of
Pessac-Léognan -the exceptional Château Haut-Brion-) and only their first red wine
may mention this concept of Grand Cru. The most prestigious appellations
of the region are therefore at the rendezvous:Pauillac(Chateau Pontet-Canet,
Chateau Pichon Longueville etc.),Saint-Julien(Chateau Gruaud-Larose,Castle
Barnetc.),Saint Estephe(Chateau Calon-Segur,Chateau Montrose, Cos
d'Estournel etc.),Margaux(Chateau Brane-Cantenac, Palmer Castle, Castle
Giscours etc.) but alsoAOC Haut-Médoc(Château La Lagune, Belgrave etc.).

Moreover,27 properties are also rewarded on
THEAOC Sauternes (Chateau Suduiraut, Sigalas-Rabaud etc.)and Barsac
(Château Climens, Coutet etc.). Here, only the firstsweet winesof these properties can display the mention of Grand Cru on their bottles.

The most famous properties of this 1855 classification are certainly
Premiers Crus Classés Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château
Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Mouton-Rothschild and the Premier Cru
Classified Superior Château Yquem.

The Grands Crus of Saint-Émilion

Another notorious classification of the region is that ofGreat
Saint-Émilion Crus.Saint Emilionis an appellation located on the shore
right of the Garonne and is known for its elegant red wines generally
dominated by Merlot (nearly 80% of the vineyard).

Established in1955, this classificationchanges every 10 years,
thus allowing changes according to the qualitative evolutions of the fields.
Its hierarchy includes 3 levels: Premier Grand Cru Classé A, Premier
Grand Cru Classé B and Grand Cru Classé. In total,85 castlesare
rewarded.

The most prestigious of them are certainly the Châteaux
Figeac and Pavie, although many other properties are worth a visit, such as the
Château Jean-Faure. It should be noted that following disagreements, the Châteaux
Cheval Blanc and Ausone left this ranking in 2022, the date of the
Last update.

The Crus of Graves

Finally, we find theclassification of Crus de Graves. Created
in1953then revised in 1959, this one lists16 Crus, belonging
all tothe Pessac-Léognan appellation. Here, some castles are classified only
on theirRed wine, others only on theirWhite wineand finally some
properties for both genders.Only one level of hierarchyexists within
this ranking which is not subject to change.

Its most renowned properties are certainly the
Château Haut-Brion, theChateau Smith Haut Lafitteor the Château Pape Clément.

So you will understand,several rankings ofGrands Crus
therefore exist in Bordeaux, distinguishing the most prestigious properties of
the region. Nevertheless,if the latter have a certain value, you should not
not take them as an absolute reference. Indeed, these hierarchies being immutable and dating from one to two centuries,it is important to seek adviceto be sure to identify the wines that will make you vibrate. For this, do not hesitate to do
call toThe Illuminated Cellar!