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The Bordeaux Classification

The Bordeaux Classification of 1855 is a list of the best red wines from the Bordeaux region, created at the request of Napoleon III for the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1855.

History and development of the classification

The classification was created based on many years of examination and comparison of vintages from about sixty estates in the Médoc area. This system offers a clear and concise hierarchy of wines that remains relevant even after more than 150 years. The criteria set by this classification have become a model for wine regions worldwide.

For the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1855, products from around the world, including wines from Bordeaux, were brought to the capital. To make them more attractive, a map of the region with an overview of the best wines was created. The Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce asked the Union of Brokers to create a list of classified wines, which was completed in one month. The list was finalized on April 18, 1855, and became known as the 1855 Classification.

Notable changes in the classification

All red wines on the list came from the Médoc, except for Château Haut-Brion from Graves, which was placed at the top of the hierarchy. White wines were limited to sweet wines from Sauternes and Barsac, divided into two classes.

Since its inception, the classification has undergone only two significant changes: in 1856, Château Cantemerle was added to the cinquième cru category, and in 1973, Château Mouton Rothschild was promoted to the premier cru category. Several other changes included the removal and reinstatement of some estates, such as Château Dubignon and Château Desmirail.

Current relevance

The 1855 Classification, also known as Les Grands Crus Classés en 1855, remains one of the most important measures of wine quality in the world.

Each château is listed with the commune in which it is located, and if their AOC differs from the village, it is indicated in parentheses.

All underlined wine names mean that these wines are available from us. Click on them to easily view their details.

Premier cru(1. cru)

  • Château Lafite-Rothschild, Pauillac commune, Haut-Médoc
  • Château Latour, Pauillac commune, Haut-Médoc
  • Château Margaux, Margaux commune
  • Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac commune, Haut-Médoc - Elevated to the rank of Premier Cru in 1973 from the deuxième cru category.
  • Château Haut-Brion, Pessac commune, Graves – It is the only château located outside the Médoc region, in Graves, and is therefore the only estate on the list permitted to sell dry white wine under the same name and appellation as its red wine.


Deuxième cru (2. cru)


Troisième cru (3. cru)

  • Château Kirwan, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux)
  • Château d'Issan, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux)
  • Château Lagrange, St.-Julien
  • Château Langoa Barton, St.-Julien
  • Château Giscours, Labarde-Margaux (Margaux)
  • Château Malescot Saint Exupéry, Margaux
  • Château Boyd-Cantenac, Margaux
  • Château Cantenac Brown, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux)
  • Château Palmer, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux)
  • Château La Lagune, Ludon (Haut-Médoc)
  • Château Desmirail, Margaux
  • Château Calon Ségur, St.-Estèphe
  • Château Ferrière, Margaux
  • Château Marquis d'Alesme Becker, Margaux


Quatrième cru (4. cru)

  • Château Saint-Pierre, St.-Julien
  • Château Talbot, St.-Julien
  • Château Branaire-Ducru, St.-Julien
  • Château Duhart-Milon, Pauillac
  • Château Pouget, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux)
  • Château La Tour Carnet, St.-Laurent (Haut-Médoc)
  • Château Lafon-Rochet, St.-Estèphe
  • Château Beychevelle, St.-Julien
  • Château Prieuré-Lichine, Cantenac-Margaux (Margaux)
  • Château Marquis de Terme, Margaux


Cinquième cru (5. cru)


Sauternes a Barsac

Barsac châteaux can call their wines Barsac or Sauternes.


Premier cru supérieur

  • Château d'Yquem, Sauternes


Premier cru

  • Château La Tour Blanche, Bommes (Sauternes)
  • Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Bommes (Sauternes)
  • Clos Haut-Peyraguey, Bommes (Sauternes)
  • Château de Rayne Vigneau, Bommes (Sauternes)
  • Château Suduiraut, Preignac (Sauternes)
  • Château Coutet, Barsac
  • Château Climens, Barsac
  • Château Guiraud, Sauternes
  • Château Rieussec, Fargues (Sauternes)
  • Château Rabaud-Promis, Bommes (Sauternes)
  • Château Sigalas Rabaud, Bommes (Sauternes)


Deuxième cru

  • Château de Myrat, Barsac
  • Château Doisy Daëne, Barsac
  • Château Doisy-Dubroca, Barsac
  • Château Doisy-Védrines, Barsac
  • Château d'Arche, Sauternes
  • Château Filhot, Sauternes
  • Château Broustet Barsac
  • Château Nairac, Barsac
  • Château Caillou, Barsac
  • Château Suau, Barsac
  • Château de Malle, Preignac (Sauternes)
  • Château Romer du Hayot, Fargues (Sauternes)
  • Château Romer, Fargues (Sauternes)
  • Château Lamothe, Sauternes
  • Château Lamothe-Guignard, Sauternes
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