The four main classification systems
of Bordeaux wines

Bordeaux, inaugurated the notion of classification in 1855 under Napoleon III, synonymous with quality and prestige throughout the world. The principle of classified growths perfectly illustrates the synthesis of the typicity of a terroir and the work of men over several generations in the service of quality.

It should be noted that the absence of a classification does not prevent an appellation or a wine from being considered as great wine as, for example, in Pomerol.

The 1855 Classification

The history of this classification

Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1855: Napoleon III asks each wine region to establish a classification. The Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry, created in 1705, initiated the file for the Gironde.

The criteria

Reputation of the crus and their prices.

Particularities

- This classification includes only the red wines of the Médoc, the sweet white wines of Sauternes and Barsac and one red wine of the Graves. 60 Médoc wines and 1 Pessac-Léognan wine (Château Haut-Brion) are classified in five categories:

5 First Growth, 14 Second Growth, 14 Third Growth, 10 Fourth Growth, 18 Fifth Growth.

- Sweet wines: 27 crus from Sauternes et Barsac :1 Premier Cru Supérieur, 11 Premiers Crus, 15 Deuxièmes Crus.

The only change

in 1973, promotion of Château Mouton Rothschild from the Second Growth to the First Growth.

The Classification of Graves

The history of this classification

At the request of the Syndicat de défense de l'appellation des Graves, the Institut national des appellations d'origine (INAO) proceeded with the classification in 1953.

The criteria

By commune and by type of wine: red or white.

Particularities

A single level of classification with no hierarchy, this classification is not subject to revision.

16 crus classés which all belong to the Pessac-Léognan :7 crus in red, 3 crus in white, 6 crus in red and white.

Château Haut-Brion, the only Bordeaux wine to be classified twice. Indeed, it appears in the Classification of Graves and in the 1855 Classification.

The Classification of Saint-Émilion

The history of this classification

At the request of the Syndicat de défense de l'appellation Saint-Émilion, the Institut national des appellations d'origine (INAO) proceeded in 1954 to classify the wines of this appellation.

Particularities

The decree specifies that the INAO must review this classification every ten years. Since 1954, 6 classifications have been conducted.

The criteria

The sixth and final classification, published on 6 September 2012, is the result of a new procedure, entirely under the authority of the INAO, with the assistance of the Ministries of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.

The classification of 2012 include 82 Châteaux : 64 Grands Crus classés and 18 Premiers Grands Crus classés.

The classification of Crus Bourgeois

The history of this classification

1932 : The Crus Bourgeois are collected in a list by the Bordeaux brokers, under the aegis of the Chamber of Commerce of Bordeaux and the Chamber of Agriculture of the Gironde.

The criteria

Quality and value of red wines produced in one of the eight appellations of the Médoc : Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Listrac, Moulis, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac et Saint-Estèphe.

Particularities

Evolving classification: every year since 2010, the official selection is published in September. September 2012 resulted a new procedure, entirely under the authority of the INAO, with the assistance of the Ministries of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.

Between 240 and 260 properties, often family-owned, are part of the alliance of the Crus Bourgeois each year, representing over 40% of the Médoc's production.

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