Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855
Encyclopedia
The Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 resulted from the 1855 Exposition Universelle de Paris
, when Emperor Napoleon III
requested a classification system for France
's best Bordeaux wine
s which were to be on display for visitors from around the world. Brokers from the wine industry ranked the wines according to a château
's reputation and trading price, which at that time was directly related to quality.
The wines were ranked in importance from first
to fifth growths (cru
s). All of the red wines that made it on the list came from the Médoc
region except for one: Château Haut-Brion
from Graves
. The white wines, then of much less importance than red wine, were limited to the sweet varieties of Sauternes
and Barsac
and were ranked only from first great growth to second growth.
was added as a fifth growth (having either been originally omitted by oversight or added as an afterthought, depending on which of the conflicting accounts is correct) and, more significantly, in 1973, when Château Mouton Rothschild
was elevated from a second growth to a first growth vineyard
after decades of intense lobbying by the powerful Philippe de Rothschild
. A third, but less known "change", is the removal of Château Dubignon
, a third growth from St.-Julien that was absorbed into the estate Château Malescot St. Exupéry
.
A superficial change is that since 1855, when only five of the estates were styled with the word "château" in their name, most Bordeaux wine estates now use this nomenclature.
have changed ownership.
Many wine critics have argued that the 1855 Classification became outdated and does not provide an accurate guide to the quality of the wines being made on each estate. Several proposals have been made for changes to the classification, and a bid for a revision was unsuccessfully attempted in 1960. Alexis Lichine
, a member of the 1960 revision panel, launched a campaign to implement changes that lasted over thirty years, in the process publishing several editions of his own unofficial classification
. Other critics have followed a similar suit, including Robert Parker
who published a top 100 Bordeaux estates in 1985 and L'histoire de la vigne & du vin (The History of Wine and the Vine) by Bernard and Henri Enjalbert
in 1989, as well as efforts made by Clive Coates
(MW
) and David Peppercorn
(MW). Ultimately nothing has come of them, the likely negative impact on prices for any downgraded châteaux and the 1855 establishment's political muscle are considered among the reasons.
In March 2009, the British wine exchange Liv-ex
released a modern re-calculation
of the 1855 classification, with an aim to apply the original method to the contemporary economical context.
Many of the leading estates from the Médoc appellation
that were not included in the 1855 classification are classified as Cru Bourgeois
, a classification system that has been updated on a regular basis since 1932, banned in 2007, but reinstated in 2010.
Exposition Universelle (1855)
The Exposition Universelle of 1855 was an International Exhibition held on the Champs-Elysées in Paris from May 15 to November 15, 1855. Its full official title was the Exposition Universelle des produits de l'Agriculture, de l'Industrie et des Beaux-Arts de Paris 1855.The exposition was a major...
, when Emperor Napoleon III
Napoleon III of France
Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte was the President of the French Second Republic and as Napoleon III, the ruler of the Second French Empire. He was the nephew and heir of Napoleon I, christened as Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte...
requested a classification system for France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
's best Bordeaux wine
Bordeaux wine
A Bordeaux wine is any wine produced in the Bordeaux region of France. Average vintages produce over 700 million bottles of Bordeaux wine, ranging from large quantities of everyday table wine, to some of the most expensive and prestigious wines in the world...
s which were to be on display for visitors from around the world. Brokers from the wine industry ranked the wines according to a château
Château
A château is a manor house or residence of the lord of the manor or a country house of nobility or gentry, with or without fortifications, originally—and still most frequently—in French-speaking regions...
's reputation and trading price, which at that time was directly related to quality.
The wines were ranked in importance from first
First Growth
First Growth status refers to a classification of wines primarily from the Bordeaux region of France.-Bordeaux reds:The need for a classification of the best Bordeaux wines arose for the 1855 Exposition Universelle de Paris. The result was the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, a list...
to fifth growths (cru
Cru (wine)
Cru is a French wine term which is traditionally translated as "growth", as it was originally the past participle of the verb "croitre" . As a wine term it is closely connected to terroir in the sense of an "extent of terrain having a certain physical homogeneity ....
s). All of the red wines that made it on the list came from the Médoc
Médoc
The Médoc is a region of France, well known as a wine growing region, located in the département of Gironde, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, north of Bordeaux. Its name comes from Medullicus, or "country of the Medulli", the local Celtic tribe...
region except for one: Château Haut-Brion
Château Haut-Brion
Château Haut-Brion is a French wine, rated a Premier Cru Classé , produced in the Gironde region. It differs from the other wines on the list in its geographic location in the north of the wine-growing region of Graves...
from Graves
Graves
Graves is an important subregion of the Bordeaux wine region. Graves is situated on the left bank of the Garonne river, in the upstream part of the region, southeast of the city Bordeaux and stretch over...
. The white wines, then of much less importance than red wine, were limited to the sweet varieties of Sauternes
Sauternes (wine)
Sauternes is a French sweet wine from the Sauternais region of the Graves section in Bordeaux. Sauternes is made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot. This causes the grapes to become partially raisined,...
and Barsac
Barsac
Barsac is the name of several communes in France:* Barsac, Gironde, in the Gironde département* Barsac, Drôme, in the Drôme département-See also:*Barsac AOC*French wine*Bordeaux wine*Plan Bordeaux...
and were ranked only from first great growth to second growth.
Changes to the classification
Within each category, the various châteaux are ranked in order of quality and only twice since the 1855 classification has there been a change, first when in 1856 CantemerleChâteau Cantemerle
Château Cantemerle is a winery in the Haut-Médoc appellation of the Bordeaux wine region of France, in the commune of Macau. The wine produced here was the final estate to be classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
was added as a fifth growth (having either been originally omitted by oversight or added as an afterthought, depending on which of the conflicting accounts is correct) and, more significantly, in 1973, when Château Mouton Rothschild
Château Mouton Rothschild
Château Mouton Rothschild is a wine estate located in the village of Pauillac in the Médoc, 50 km north-west of the city of Bordeaux, France. Its red wine of the same name is regarded as one of the world's greatest clarets. Originally known as Château Brane-Mouton it was renamed by Nathaniel...
was elevated from a second growth to a first growth vineyard
Vineyard
A vineyard is a plantation of grape-bearing vines, grown mainly for winemaking, but also raisins, table grapes and non-alcoholic grape juice...
after decades of intense lobbying by the powerful Philippe de Rothschild
Philippe de Rothschild
Baron Philippe de Rothschild was a member of the Rothschild banking dynasty who became a Grand Prix race-car driver, a screenwriter and playwright, a theatrical producer, a film producer, a poet, and one of the most successful wine growers in the world.-Early life:Born in Paris, Georges Philippe...
. A third, but less known "change", is the removal of Château Dubignon
Château Dubignon
Château Dubignon, later Château Dubignon-Talbot, was a wine producer in what is today the appellation of Margaux in the Bordeaux wine region of France...
, a third growth from St.-Julien that was absorbed into the estate Château Malescot St. Exupéry
Château Malescot St. Exupéry
Château Malescot St. Exupéry is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
.
A superficial change is that since 1855, when only five of the estates were styled with the word "château" in their name, most Bordeaux wine estates now use this nomenclature.
Critique
As a classification of châteaux, the actual vineyards owned by some wineries have expanded, shrunk and been divided without any reclassification, and considerable plots of valued terroirTerroir
Terroir comes from the word terre "land". It was originally a French term in wine, coffee and tea used to denote the special characteristics that the geography, geology and climate of a certain place bestowed upon particular varieties...
have changed ownership.
Many wine critics have argued that the 1855 Classification became outdated and does not provide an accurate guide to the quality of the wines being made on each estate. Several proposals have been made for changes to the classification, and a bid for a revision was unsuccessfully attempted in 1960. Alexis Lichine
Alexis Lichine
Alexis Lichine was a Russian wine writer and entrepreneur. He played a key role in promoting varietal labelling of wine, was a masterful salesman of wine, and owned Château Prieuré-Lichine and a share of Château Lascombes in the Médoc. He was married to actress Arlene Dahl from 1964 to...
, a member of the 1960 revision panel, launched a campaign to implement changes that lasted over thirty years, in the process publishing several editions of his own unofficial classification
Alexis Lichine's classification of Bordeaux wine
In considering the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, Alexis Lichine held the opinion that the list, some hundred years after the selection was made, no longer expressed the whole truth concerning the ranking of Bordeaux wine...
. Other critics have followed a similar suit, including Robert Parker
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Robert M. Parker, Jr. is a leading U.S. wine critic with an international influence. His wine ratings on a 100-point scale and his newsletter The Wine Advocate, with his particular stylistic preferences and notetaking vocabulary, have become very influential in American wine buying and are...
who published a top 100 Bordeaux estates in 1985 and L'histoire de la vigne & du vin (The History of Wine and the Vine) by Bernard and Henri Enjalbert
Henri Enjalbert
Henri Enjalbert was a French professor of geography at the University of Bordeaux. He was considered an eminent specialist in wine geology, whose expert opinion frequently overlapped into the fields of oenology, and wine and terroir history, within the Bordeaux region and beyond...
in 1989, as well as efforts made by Clive Coates
Clive Coates
Clive Coates is a British wine writer and Master of Wine, best known for his books about the wines of Burgundy.-Biography:Born in 1941, Clive Coates worked for The Wine Society in Stevenage in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1975 he founded the award-winning magazine The Vine, a monthly fine...
(MW
Master of Wine
Master of Wine is a qualification issued by The Institute of Masters of Wine in the United Kingdom...
) and David Peppercorn
David Peppercorn
David Peppercorn is a British Master of Wine, French wine importer and author, known for his books about the wines of Bordeaux and long experience in his field, having collected tasting notes since the late 1950s. He is married to fellow MW and wine writer Serena Sutcliffe. They were the first...
(MW). Ultimately nothing has come of them, the likely negative impact on prices for any downgraded châteaux and the 1855 establishment's political muscle are considered among the reasons.
In March 2009, the British wine exchange Liv-ex
London International Vintners Exchange
London International Vintners Exchange is an exchange for investment-grade wine based in London. Liv-ex, which was founded in 1999, provides a marketplace where wine merchants are able to trade wine, and also publishes two wine price indices based on these transactions which are widely used to...
released a modern re-calculation
The Liv-ex Bordeaux Classification
The Liv-ex Bordeaux Classification is a classification of Bordeaux wine compiled by the British internet and phone-based wine exchange, London International Vintners Exchange in March 2009, with an aim to recreate the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 in a modern economic context, 154...
of the 1855 classification, with an aim to apply the original method to the contemporary economical context.
Many of the leading estates from the Médoc appellation
Médoc AOC
Médoc is an AOC for wine in the Bordeaux wine region of southwestern France, on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary that covers the northern section of the viticultural strip along the Médoc peninsula. The zone is sometimes called Bas-Médoc , though this term is not permitted on any label...
that were not included in the 1855 classification are classified as Cru Bourgeois
Cru Bourgeois
The Cru Bourgeois classification lists some of the high quality wines from the Left Bank Bordeaux wine regions that were not included in the 1855 Classification of Classed Growths, or Grands Crus Classés...
, a classification system that has been updated on a regular basis since 1932, banned in 2007, but reinstated in 2010.
The Médoc Classification of 1855
In French Les Grands Crus classés en 1855. The estates are listed with their commune (village), and their AOC in parenthesis, if different from the commune. The 19th-century names appear as listed by the brokers on April 18, 1855, followed by the modern names, as the use of "second cru" for red wines and "deuxième cru" for white wines.First Growths (Premiers Crus)
- Château Lafite, now Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac
- Château LatourChâteau LatourChâteau Latour is a French wine estate, rated as a First Growth under the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Latour lies at the very southeastern tip of the commune of Pauillac in the Médoc region to the north-west of Bordeaux, at its border with Saint-Julien, and only a few hundred metres from the...
, Pauillac - Château MargauxChâteau MargauxChâteau Margaux, archaically La Mothe de Margaux, is a wine estate of Bordeaux wine, and was one of four wines to achieve Premier cru status in the Bordeaux Classification of 1855. The estate's best wines are very expensive...
, Margaux - Haut-Brion, now Château Haut-BrionChâteau Haut-BrionChâteau Haut-Brion is a French wine, rated a Premier Cru Classé , produced in the Gironde region. It differs from the other wines on the list in its geographic location in the north of the wine-growing region of Graves...
, Pessac, Graves - Mouton, now Château Mouton RothschildChâteau Mouton RothschildChâteau Mouton Rothschild is a wine estate located in the village of Pauillac in the Médoc, 50 km north-west of the city of Bordeaux, France. Its red wine of the same name is regarded as one of the world's greatest clarets. Originally known as Château Brane-Mouton it was renamed by Nathaniel...
, Pauillac
Second Growths (Seconds Crus)
- Rauzan-Ségla, now Château Rauzan-SéglaChâteau Rauzan-SéglaChâteau Rauzan-Ségla, or Château Rausan-Ségla, is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Rauzan-Ségla is also the name of the red wine produced by this property. The wine produced here was classified as one of fifteen Deuxièmes Crus in the original...
, Margaux - Rauzan-Gassies, now Château Rauzan-GassiesChâteau Rauzan-GassiesChâteau Rauzan-Gassies is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Rauzan-Gassies is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, Margaux - Léoville, now
- Château Léoville-Las CasesChâteau Léoville-Las CasesChâteau Léoville-Las Cases is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Léoville-Las Cases is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, St.-Julien - Château Léoville-PoyferréChâteau Léoville-PoyferréChâteau Léoville-Poyferré is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Léoville-Poyferré is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, St.-Julien - Château Léoville-BartonChâteau Léoville-BartonChâteau Léoville-Barton is a vineyard in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Léoville-Barton is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, St.-Julien - Vivens Durfort, now Château Durfort-VivensChâteau Durfort-VivensChâteau Durfort-Vivens is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. It is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, Margaux - Gruau-Laroze, now Château Gruaud-LaroseChâteau Gruaud-LaroseChâteau Gruaud-Larose is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. It is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, St.-Julien - Lascombe, now Château LascombesChâteau LascombesChâteau Lascombes is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fifteen Seconds Crus in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
, Margaux - Brane, now Château Brane-CantenacChâteau Brane-CantenacChâteau Brane-Cantenac is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux wine region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fifteen Deuxièmes Crus in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855....
, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux) - Pichon Longueville, now
- Château Pichon Longueville BaronChateau Pichon Longueville BaronChâteau Pichon Longueville Baron is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Pichon Longueville Baron is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, Pauillac (commonly known as Pichon Baron) - Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de LalandeChâteau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de LalandeChâteau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, Pauillac (commonly known as Pichon Lalande or Pichon Comtesse) - Ducru Beau Caillou, now Château Ducru-BeaucaillouChâteau Ducru-BeaucaillouChâteau Ducru-Beaucaillou is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, St.-Julien - Cos Destournel, now Château Cos d'EstournelChâteau Cos d'EstournelChâteau Cos d'Estournel is a winery in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. It is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, St.-Estèphe - Montrose, now Château MontroseChâteau MontroseChâteau Montrose is a winery in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fifteen Deuxièmes Crus in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855....
, St.-Estèphe
Third Growths (Troisièmes Crus)
- Kirwan, now Château KirwanChâteau KirwanChâteau Kirwan is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855....
, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux) - Château d'IssanChâteau d'IssanChâteau d'Issan is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. The winery is under the proprietorship of Emmanuel Cruse II of the...
, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux) - Lagrange, Château LagrangeChâteau LagrangeChâteau Lagrange is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Lagrange is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, St.-Julien - Langoa, now Château Langoa-BartonChâteau Langoa-BartonChâteau Langoa-Barton is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Langoa-Barton is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, St.-Julien - Giscours, now Château GiscoursChateau GiscoursChâteau Giscours is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France, in the commune of Labarde. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.-History:The first written reference to the domain of...
, Labarde-Margaux (Margaux) - St.-Exupéry, now Château Malescot St. ExupéryChâteau Malescot St. ExupéryChâteau Malescot St. Exupéry is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
, Margaux - Boyd, now
- Château Cantenac-BrownChâteau Cantenac-BrownChâteau Cantenac-Brown is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. The Chateau has planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and...
, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux) - Château Boyd-CantenacChâteau Boyd-CantenacChâteau Boyd-Cantenac is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. The Chateau has planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet...
, Margaux - Palmer, now Château PalmerChâteau PalmerChâteau Palmer is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux) - Lalagune, now Château La LaguneChâteau La LaguneChâteau La Lagune is a winery in the Haut-Médoc appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855....
, Ludon (Haut-Medoc) - Desmirail, now Château DesmirailChâteau DesmirailChâteau Desmirail is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. -History:...
, Margaux - Dubignon, later Château DubignonChâteau DubignonChâteau Dubignon, later Château Dubignon-Talbot, was a wine producer in what is today the appellation of Margaux in the Bordeaux wine region of France...
, Margaux - Calon, now Château Calon-SégurChâteau Calon-SégurChâteau Calon-Ségur is a winery in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of the Bordeaux wine region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus Classés in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
, St.-Estèphe - Ferrière, now Château FerrièreChâteau FerrièreChâteau Ferrière is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
, Margaux - Becker, now Château Marquis d'Alesme BeckerChâteau Marquis d'Alesme BeckerChâteau Marquis d'Alesme Becker is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux wine region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.The estate produces a second wine named Marquise...
, Margaux
Fourth Growths (Quatrièmes Crus)
- St.-Pierre, now Château Saint-PierreChâteau Saint-PierreChâteau Saint-Pierre is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of ten Quatrièmes Crus Classés in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855....
, St.-Julien - Talbot, now Château TalbotChâteau TalbotChâteau Talbot is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Talbot is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, St.-Julien - Du-Luc, now Château Branaire-DucruChâteau Branaire-DucruChâteau Branaire is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Branaire is also the name of the main red wine produced by this property and which was classified as one of the ten 'Fourth Growths' in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of...
, St.-Julien - Duhart, now Château Duhart-Milon, Pauillac
- Pouget-Lassale and Pouget, both now Château PougetChâteau PougetChâteau Pouget is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of ten Quatrièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.- External links :*...
, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux) - Carnet, now Château La Tour CarnetChâteau La Tour CarnetChâteau La Tour Carnet is a Bordeaux wine estate in the appellation Haut-Médoc. The wine produced here was classified as one of ten Quatrièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, at the time known by the name of Carnet.-History:The estate has origins in the early...
, St.-Laurent (Haut-Médoc) - Rochet, now Château Lafon-RochetChâteau Lafon-RochetChâteau Lafon-Rochet is a winery in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of ten Quatrièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. The Chateau has planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet...
, St.-Estèphe - Château de Beychevele, now Château BeychevelleChâteau BeychevelleChâteau Beychevelle is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of ten Quatrièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. The chateau makes a second label wine called Amiral de Beychevelle.-...
, St.-Julien - Le Prieuré, now Château Prieuré-LichineChateau Prieure-LichineChâteau Prieuré-Lichine, previously Château Le Prieuré and Château Prieuré-Cantenac, is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France, in the commune of Cantenac...
, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux) - Marquis de Thermes, now Château Marquis de TermeChâteau Marquis de TermeChâteau Marquis de Terme is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of ten Quatrièmes Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. -History:...
, Margaux
Fifth Growths (Cinquièmes Crus)
- Canet, now Château Pontet-CanetChâteau Pontet-CanetChâteau Pontet-Canet is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux wine region of France. Chateau Pontet-Canet is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, Pauillac - Batailley, now
- Château BatailleyChâteau BatailleyChâteau Batailley is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.-History:...
, Pauillac - Château Haut-BatailleyChâteau Haut-BatailleyChâteau Haut-Batailley is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was part of the property that was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.-History:Historically the estate was part of...
, Pauillac - Grand Puy, now Château Grand-Puy-LacosteChâteau Grand-Puy-LacosteChâteau Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, Pauillac - Artigues Arnaud, now Château Grand-Puy-DucasseChâteau Grand-Puy-DucasseChâteau Grand-Puy-Ducasse is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.-Name:...
, Pauillac - Lynch, now Château Lynch-BagesChâteau Lynch-BagesChâteau Lynch-Bages is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Lynch-Bages is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, Pauillac - Lynch Moussas, now Château Lynch-MoussasChâteau Lynch-MoussasChâteau Lynch-Moussas is a French winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Lynch-Moussas is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, Pauillac - Dauzac, now Château DauzacChâteau DauzacChâteau Dauzac is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
, Labarde (Margaux) - Darmailhac, now Château d'ArmailhacChâteau d'ArmailhacChâteau d'Armailhac, previously named Château Mouton-d'Armailhacq , Château Mouton-Baron Philippe , Mouton Baronne and Château Mouton-Baronne-Philippe , is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France...
, Pauillac - Le Tertre, now Château du TertreChâteau du TertreChâteau du Tertre, or Le Tertre, is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France, in the commune of Arsac. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.- History :Located on the tertre from...
, Arsac (Margaux) - Haut Bages, now Château Haut-Bages-LibéralChateau Haut-Bages-LiberalChâteau Haut-Bages-Libéral is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château Haut-Bages-Libéral is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, Pauillac - Pédesclaux, now Château PédesclauxChâteau PedesclauxChâteau Pédesclaux is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.-History:...
, Pauillac - Coutenceau, now Château BelgraveChâteau BelgraveChâteau Belgrave is a winery in the Haut-Médoc appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. At the time of classification, the winery was called Château Coutenceau, and...
, St.-Laurent (Haut-Médoc) - Camensac, now Château de CamensacChateau de CamensacChâteau de Camensac is a winery in the Haut-Médoc appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Château de Camensac is also the name of the red wine produced by this property...
, St.-Laurent (Haut-Médoc) - Cos Labory, now Château Cos LaboryChâteau Cos LaboryChâteau Cos Labory is a winery in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.-Wines:...
, St.-Estèphe - Clerc Milon, now Château Clerc-MilonChâteau Clerc-MilonChâteau Clerc-Milon is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855....
, Pauillac - Croizet-Bages, now Château Croizet BagesChâteau Croizet BagesChâteau Croizet Bages is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.- References :...
, Pauillac - Cantemerle, now Château CantemerleChâteau CantemerleChâteau Cantemerle is a winery in the Haut-Médoc appellation of the Bordeaux wine region of France, in the commune of Macau. The wine produced here was the final estate to be classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
, Macau (Haut-Médoc)
The White Wines of the Gironde
[Barsac estates may be labelled with the appellation Barsac or Sauternes.]Superior First Growth (Premier Cru Supérieur)
- Yquem, now Château d'YquemChâteau d'YquemChâteau d'Yquem is a Premier Cru Supérieur wine from the Sauternes, Gironde region in the southern part of the Bordeaux vineyards known as Graves. In the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, Château d'Yquem was the only Sauternes given this rating, indicating its perceived superiority...
, Sauternes
First Growths (Premier Crus)
- Latour Blanche, now Château La Tour BlancheChâteau La Tour BlancheChâteau La Tour Blanche, or La Tour-Blanche, is a sweet white wine ranked as Premier Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
, Bommes (Sauternes) - Peyraguey, now
- Château Lafaurie-PeyragueyChâteau Lafaurie-PeyragueyChâteau Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a Premier Cru Classé Sauternes wine from the Sauternes appellation. The winery is located in the southern part of France’s Bordeaux wine region in the district of Graves in the commune of Bommes, and its château is situated on a hill top facing Sauternes' highest...
, Bommes (Sauternes) - Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey, Bommes (Sauternes)
- Vigneau, now Château de Rayne-VigneauChâteau de Rayne-VigneauChâteau de Rayne-Vigneau is a sweet white wine ranked as Premier Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in Bommes....
, Bommes (Sauternes) - Suduiraut, now Château SuduirautChâteau SuduirautChâteau Suduiraut, formerly Cru du Roy and Château de Suduiraut, is a sweet white wine ranked as Premier Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in Preignac, adjacent...
, Preignac (Sauternes) - Coutet, now Château CoutetChâteau CoutetChâteau Coutet is a Premier Cru Classé sweet wine from the Sauternes-Barsac appellation located in Barsac, in the southern part of France’s Bordeaux vineyards...
, Barsac - Climens, now Château ClimensChâteau ClimensChâteau Climens is a Premier Cru Classé Sauternes wine producer from the Barsac appellation. The estate is located in the southern part of France’s Bordeaux wine region in the district of :Graves, an eighth of a mile away from Barsac's other most historically rated vineyard, Château Coutet.It is a...
, Barsac - Bayle, now Château GuiraudChâteau GuiraudChâteau Guiraud is a sweet white wine ranked as Premier Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Sauternes. The estate vine plantings consist of 65%...
, Sauternes - Rieusec, now Château RieussecChâteau RieussecChâteau Rieussec is a sweet white wine ranked as Premier Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Fargues.-External links:*...
, Fargues (Sauternes) - Rabeaud, now
- Château Rabaud-PromisChâteau Rabaud-PromisChâteau Rabaud-Promis is a sweet white wine ranked as Premier Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Bommes.-References:...
, Bommes (Sauternes) - Château Sigalas-RabaudChâteau Sigalas-RabaudChâteau Sigalas-Rabaud, previously also named Château Rabaud-Sigalas, is a sweet white wine ranked as Premier Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune...
, Bommes (Sauternes)
Second Growths (Deuxième Crus)
- Mìrat, now Château de MyratChâteau de MyratChâteau de Myrat or simply Château Myrat, is a wine estate belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves. The estate is located in the commune of Barsac and produces a sweet white wine ranked as a Grand Cru of Second Growth class in the original Bordeaux Wine Official...
, Barsac - Doisy, now
- Château Doisy DaëneChâteau Doisy DaëneChâteau Doisy Daëne is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Barsac.-External links:*...
, Barsac - Château Doisy-DubrocaChâteau Doisy-DubrocaChâteau Doisy-Dubroca is a sweet white wine, ranked as Second Cru Classé , in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Barsac, Gironde.-External links:*...
, Barsac - Château Doisy-VédrinesChâteau Doisy-VédrinesChâteau Doisy-Védrines is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Barsac.-External links:*...
, Barsac - Pexoto, now part of Château Rabaud-Promis
- D’arche, now Château d'ArcheChâteau d'ArcheChâteau d'Arche is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855...
, Sauternes - Filhot, now Château FilhotChâteau FilhotChâteau Filhot, archaically named Maison Noble de Verdoulet, is a winery rated Deuxième cru classé in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, from the Sauternes appellation in Gironde...
, Sauternes - Broustet Nérac, now
- Château BroustetChâteau BroustetChâteau Broustet is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Barsac.-External links:*...
, Barsac - Château NairacChâteau NairacChâteau Nairac is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Barsac.-External links:*...
, Barsac - Caillou, now Château CaillouChâteau CaillouChâteau Caillou is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Barsac.-External links:*...
, Barsac - Suau, now Château SuauChâteau SuauChâteau Suau is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Barsac....
, Barsac - Malle, now Château de MalleChâteau de MalleChâteau de Malle is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Sauternes...
, Preignac (Sauternes) - Romer, now
- Château RomerChâteau RomerChâteau Romer is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Sauternes.-External links:*...
, Fargues (Sauternes) - Château Romer du HayotChâteau Romer du HayotChâteau Romer du Hayot is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Sauternes....
, Fargues (Sauternes) - Lamothe, now
- Château LamotheChâteau LamotheChâteau Lamothe is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Sauternes....
, Sauternes - Château Lamothe-GuignardChâteau Lamothe-GuignardChâteau Lamothe-Guignard is a sweet white wine ranked as Second Cru Classé in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Belonging to the Sauternes appellation in Gironde, in the region of Graves, the winery is located in the commune of Sauternes....
, Sauternes
See also
- Classification of Graves wineClassification of Graves wineThe wines of Graves in the wine-growing region of Bordeaux were classified in 1953 by a jury appointed by Institute Nacional des Appellations d'Origine, and approved by the Minister of Agriculture in August of that year. The selection was revised with a few additions in February 1959...
- Classification of Saint-Émilion wineClassification of Saint-Émilion wineIn 1955 the wines of Saint-Émilion in the wine-growing region of Bordeaux were classified. Unlike the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 covering wines from the Medoc and Graves regions, the Saint-Émilion list is updated every 10 years or so. Following the initial classification, the...
- Regional wine classification
- History of Bordeaux wineHistory of Bordeaux wineThe history of Bordeaux wine spans almost 2000 years to Roman times when the first vineyards were planted. In the Middle Ages, the marriage of Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine opened the Bordeaux region to the English market and eventually to the world's stage...
- Bordeaux wine regionsBordeaux wine regionsThe wine regions of Bordeaux are the area around the city of Bordeaux within the Gironde department of Aquitaine. The region is naturally divided by the Gironde River into a Left Bank area which includes the Médoc and the subregions of St-Estèphe, Pauillac, St.-Julien, and Margaux and a Right Bank...
- Judgment of Paris