The Bordeaux region in France is renowned for its exceptional wines, and over the years, different classification systems have been established to distinguish the quality and prestige of these wines. The most famous and influential classification is the Classification of 1855, also known as the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. This classification divided the wines into five different rankings, known as Growths or Crus.
1. First Growth (Premier Cru): The First Growth category is considered the pinnacle of Bordeaux wines. These wines are regarded as the finest and most prestigious in the region. There are five First Growth estates: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Mouton Rothschild (which was promoted to First Growth status in 1973). These wines are highly sought after and often command the highest prices in the market.
2. Second Growth (Deuxième Cru): The Second Growth category includes wines that are slightly below the First Growths in terms of prestige but still of exceptional quality. There are fourteen estates in this category, including Château Cos d'Estournel, Château Léoville-Las Cases, and Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. These wines offer a fantastic balance of richness, complexity, and ageing potential.
3. Third Growth (Troisième Cru): The Third Growth category consists of wines that are considered to be of very high quality but slightly below the Second Growths. There are fourteen estates in this category as well, such as Château Palmer, Château Léoville-Barton, and Château Giscours. These wines often offer great value for their quality, and they can age beautifully over the years.
4. Fourth Growth (Quatrième Cru): The Fourth Growth category includes wines that are of excellent quality but a step below the Third Growths. There are twenty-four estates in this category, including Château Beychevelle, Château Talbot, and Château Prieuré-Lichine. These wines can be rich and full-bodied, offering great drinking pleasure.
5. Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru): The Fifth Growth category is the largest and includes wines that are still of high quality but generally more approachable and affordable than the higher-ranked Growths. There are sixty-one estates in this category, such as Château Lynch-Bages, Château Pontet-Canet, and Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste. These wines often provide excellent value for Bordeaux enthusiasts and can offer a glimpse into the elegance and complexity of the region.
It is important to note that the Classification of 1855 only included wines from the Médoc region of Bordeaux and did not cover wines from other sub-regions such as Saint-Émilion or Pomerol. These sub-regions have their own classification systems, such as the Classification of Saint-Émilion or the Classification of Pomerol, which rank the wines within their respective areas.
The classifications of Bordeaux wines are not set in stone and have evolved over time. While the 1855 Classification remains the most famous and influential, there have been some changes and additions to the rankings since its inception. For example, in 1973, Château Mouton Rothschild was elevated from a Second Growth to a First Growth, reflecting its exceptional quality and reputation.
The five classifications of Bordeaux wines, as established by the Classification of 1855, are First Growth, Second Growth, Third Growth, Fourth Growth, and Fifth Growth. Each category represents wines of varying prestige and quality, with the First Growths being the most coveted and sought after. However, it is important to remember that these classifications are not the sole measure of a wine's quality, as Bordeaux is a diverse and dynamic region with many exceptional wines outside of these rankings.