The Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé 1855 Classification

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé 1855 Classification

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé 1855 Classification is one of the most iconic and enduring wine rankings in the world. Created for the Exposition Universelle in Paris at the request of Emperor Napoleon III, it was designed to present the very best of French viticulture to an international audience. The classification focused on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, specifically the Médoc region and one estate from Graves—Château Haut-Brion.

Rather than being based on blind tastings or technical evaluations, the 1855 classification relied on market prices and reputation—which at the time were strong indicators of consistent quality. A total of 61 châteaux were ranked into five tiers, from Premier Cru (First Growth) to Cinquième Cru (Fifth Growth). These estates came from legendary appellations such as Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe, and Haut-Médoc.

Today, these Grand Cru Classé wines are celebrated not only for their historical prestige, but also for their continued excellence. Many of these châteaux are family-owned, centuries-old, and produce wines that rank among the most collectible and age-worthy bottles in the world. The classification has remained largely unchanged, with only one exception: Château Mouton Rothschild, originally ranked as a Second Growth, was elevated to First Growth status in 1973—a rare revision that acknowledged its rising status and quality.

For collectors, sommeliers, and wine lovers alike, the 1855 Grand Cru Classé list is an essential reference point when exploring fine Bordeaux wines. Each château on the list represents a unique expression of its terroir, and together they define what Left Bank Bordeaux is all about: power, elegance, structure, and aging potential.

Discover our full range of Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux wines including legends like Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and many more.

Below, you’ll find a complete overview of all 61 châteaux classified in 1855, arranged by their growth ranking. Click through to explore each producer and the wines available in our collection.

 

First Growths (Premiers Crus)

The First Growths are the crème de la crème of Bordeaux wine. These estates are known for their exceptional quality, long aging potential, and historical significance. The wines produced here are among the most sought-after and valuable in the world.

 Explore First Growth Wines

Second Growths (Deuxièmes Crus)

The Second Growths represent a level just below the First Growths but are still highly regarded for their outstanding quality and remarkable aging potential. These estates produce wines that are highly collectible and often show great complexity and structure.

Explore Second Growth Wines

Third Growths (Troisièmes Crus)

The Third Growths are a testament to the power and elegance of Bordeaux. While they may not have the same level of exclusivity as the First or Second Growths, they offer excellent value for money without sacrificing quality.

  • Château Kirwan – Margaux
  • Château d'Issan – Margaux
  • Château Lagrange – Saint-Julien
  • Château Langoa Barton – Saint-Julien
  • Château Giscours – Margaux
  • Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry – Margaux
  • Château Boyd-Cantenac – Margaux
  • Château Cantenac Brown – Margaux
  • Château Palmer – Margaux
  • Château La Lagune – Haut-Médoc
  • Château Desmirail – Margaux
  • Château Calon Ségur – Saint-Estèphe
  • Château Ferrière – Margaux
  • Château Marquis d'Alesme Becker – Margaux

Explore Third Growth Wines

Fourth Growths (Quatrièmes Crus)

The Fourth Growths are wines that consistently offer excellent quality at a more accessible price point. While they may not have the prestige of the higher-ranked châteaux, they produce wines that are rich in character and well worth seeking out.

  • Château Saint-Pierre – Saint-Julien
  • Château Talbot – Saint-Julien
  • Château Branaire-Ducru – Saint-Julien
  • Château Duhart-Milon – Pauillac
  • Château Pouget – Margaux
  • Château La Tour Carnet – Haut-Médoc
  • Château Lafon-Rochet – Saint-Estèphe
  • Château Beychevelle – Saint-Julien
  • Château Prieuré-Lichine – Margaux
  • Château Marquis de Terme – Margaux

 Explore Fourth Growth Wines

Fifth Growths (Cinquèmes Crus)

The Fifth Growths are often underestimated, but they represent some of the best value for money in Bordeaux. These wines deliver incredible flavor and complexity, especially as they age, making them a great choice for collectors looking for a more affordable entry into the world of Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux wines.

  • Château Pontet-Canet – Pauillac
  • Château Batailley – Pauillac
  • Château Haut-Batailley – Pauillac
  • Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste – Pauillac
  • Château Grand-Puy Ducasse – Pauillac
  • Château Lynch-Bages – Pauillac
  • Château Lynch-Moussas – Pauillac
  • Château Dauzac – Margaux
  • Château d'Armailhac – Pauillac
  • Château du Tertre – Margaux
  • Château Haut-Bages Libéral – Pauillac
  • Château Pédesclaux – Pauillac
  • Château Belgrave – Haut-Médoc
  • Château Camensac – Haut-Médoc
  • Château Cos Labory – Saint-Estèphe
  • Château Clerc Milon – Pauillac
  • Château Croizet-Bages – Pauillac
  • Château Cantemerle – Haut-Médoc

 Explore Fifth Growth Wines

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