Bordeaux wine classifications
Bordeaux wine classifications
Are you looking for more informations about the classifications of Bordeaux’s wines? You are in the right section!
Bordeaux is world widely famous with wines who have obtained an international reputation. Some are now considered as myths. Some classifications have contributed to that and sound for winelovers like a dreaming connotation. These are at the same time high-quality and social distinction landmarks.
Here we will pass in review the different classifications of wines in Bordeaux:
1855 Grands Crus Classés
The classification of the Grands Crus Classés 1855 is a historical classification which is divided into two parts: the red wines of the Médoc area, and the sweet white wines from the Sauternes area.
The 1855 classification has five ranks: from the first to the five growth for reds (first is the top of the top) and three ranks for sweet wines ( Château Yquem has a special rank, only for him : Premier Grand Cru supérieur).
To learn more about the « 1855 Grands Crus Classés » click here.
Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés
The classification of the Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Emilion includes the Crus Classés of the appellation Saint-Emilion, on the right bank of Bordeaux. He is independent of the 1855 classification.
It is divided into different levels, the most prestigious is the famous « Premiers Grands Crus Classé A ». The particularity of this classification is to be periodically reviewable.
To learn more about the « Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés » click here.
Grands Crus Classés des Graves
The Grands Crus Classés of the Graves classification includes the Crus Classés of the Graves wine region.
These domains are today grouped within the appellation Pessac-Léognan, which historically was part of the Graves appellation. There is a distinction between white and red wines.
To learn more about the « Graves Grands Crus Classés » click here.
The other classifications in Bordeaux :
Because Bordeaux is not only composed of Crus Classés, here are the other classifications that allow to approach differently this region.
The Crus Bourgeois of Médoc
The classification of Crus Bourgeois includes many properties present in the Médoc wine region, on the left bank of Bordeaux.
It is divided into 3 levels and is reviewed periodically every 5 years. This classification covers all the different communal appellations of the Médoc (such as Margaux, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estephe etc.).
The Crus Artisans from Médoc
The classification of Crus Artisans groups together human-sized and autonomous properties: from the cultivation of vines to the sale of bottled wines.
It is exclusively linked to the Médoc wine region. It also includes all the different communal appellations of the Médoc and is periodically revisable.
To learn more about the Crus Artisans click here.
Remember :
Bordeaux is not only Crus Classés !
Please consider that the classifications and prestigious appellations of Bordeaux are one face, but another face is there are also many estates without any classifications that produce wines with an excellent price for quality.
A good quality Bordeaux wine at less than 7€ (public price in France) this exists!
The possibility to find unknown treasures is very real, I warmly encourage you to discover also these small properties of the Médoc, of Bordeaux, and of the neighbouring appellations such as Côtes de Bordeaux, Côtes de Bourg, etc. You will find on this blog many references to this topic 🙂
Xavier LACOMBE