Bordeaux Grand Cru Wines - Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé 1855
The History of Bordeaux Grand Cru Wines
The Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé 1855 Classification stands as a historic and influential system for categorizing wines from the Bordeaux region in France. Originating for the Exposition Universelle de Paris in 1855, this classification was designed to showcase the quality of Bordeaux wines to an international audience. Focusing on the Médoc and Graves regions, it established a hierarchy based on reputation and market prices.
Famous Bordeaux Grand Cru Wineries
The classification comprises five growth classes or "crus" in French, ranging from Fifth Growth (Cinquième Grand Cru) to the most prestigious First Growth (Premier Grand Cru).
- Château Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac)
- Château Latour (Pauillac)
- Château Margaux (Margaux)
- Château Haut-Brion (Pessac-Léognan)
- Château Mouton Rothschild (Pauillac) which was elevated to First Growth status in 1973.
- Château Rauzan-Ségla (Margaux)
- Château Rauzan-Gassies (Margaux)
- Château Léoville Las Cases (Saint-Julien)
- Château Léoville Poyferré (Saint-Julien)
- Château Léoville Barton (Saint-Julien)
- Château Dufort-Vivens (Margaux)
- Château Gruaud Larose (Saint-Julien)
- Château Lascombes (Margaux)
- Château Brane-Cantenac (Margaux)
- Château Pichon Baron (Pauillac)
- Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (Pauillac)
- Château Ducru-Beaucaillou (Saint-Julien)
- Château Montrose (Saint-Estèphe)
- 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)
Quatrièmes Grands Crus Classés:
- 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)
- 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-Mousssas (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)
The criteria for classification considered factors such as the quality of terroir, winemaking techniques, and historical reputation. Notably, the Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé 1855 has remained remarkably stable over the years, with only one promotion.
Limited to the Médoc and Graves appellations, the classification has contributed significantly to Bordeaux's global reputation. While criticized for its rigidity and limited scope, it continues to carry immense prestige in the wine world.
In a modern context, enthusiasts and critics acknowledge exceptional wines beyond the classified growths, recognizing the diversity and quality present in the broader Bordeaux region. Additionally, newer classifications, such as those from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, play a role in acknowledging excellence in Bordeaux wines.
In summary, the Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé 1855 Classification is a cornerstone of Bordeaux wine history, shaping perceptions of quality and prestige for more than a century and a half. Its enduring influence reflects the enduring legacy of Bordeaux as a premier wine-producing region.