Bordeaux's Best: A Guide to Premier and Grand Cru
Infographic by Edward Vorobiev
There are only a few things in the world that can evoke the prestige and tradition of French winemaking like the terms “Premier Cru” and “Grand Cru.” These classifications are not merely labels; they represent centuries of French winemaking excellence and reflect the careful cultivation of vineyards that have become synonymous with quality. France has long been considered the cradle of modern viticulture. Its intricate classification systems --especially for Premier and Grand Crus—stand as a testament to the country’s deep-rooted commitment to craftsmanship in winemaking.
For wine collectors and enthusiasts alike, these classifications carry a promise of unparalleled quality and uniqueness. Bordeaux, with its rich history of viticulture, has a unique classification system that distinguishes its finest wines. In contrast to Burgundy, (where they classify their wines based on the vineyards) Bordeaux’s focus is on the estates or châteaux that have consistently produced top-quality wines over the centuries. This article explores the history and significance of Bordeaux’s Premier and Grand Cru classifications and why they remain the ultimate symbols of winemaking excellence.
Historical Context of Bordeaux Premier and Grand Crus
The most recent classification of Bordeaux wines can be traced back to the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris. This was a world’s fair that was hosted in Paris. France sought to showcase its finest products, including wines. At the request of Emperor Napoleon III, Bordeaux’s wine brokers ranked the region’s best wines based on their reputation and trading price at the time. This system became known as the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, which has since defined Bordeaux’s winemaking landscape.
In this classification, the highest-ranking wines were labeled Premier Cru Classé or First Growth. These wines represented the best of the best of Bordeaux showcasing consistency in quality, flavor, and production. Initially, only four estates achieved Premier Cru status:
Château Margaux
Château Lafite Rothschild
Château Latour
Château Haut-Brion
These estates had long been recognized for their excellence, producing wines that were highly sought after across Europe. However, today there are five châteaux that are classified as Premier Cru. That is because, in 1973, Château Mouton Rothschild was elevated to Premier Cru status after years of petitioning, making it the fifth and final estate to achieve this prestigious rank.
Unlike other wine regions like Burgundy, where terroir (directly translates to ‘soil’ however terroir is a more abstract concept that refers to the vineyards soil, climate, and geography) plays the central role in classification, Bordeaux’s focus was on the reputation and prestige of the entire estates at the time. These châteaux had proven over time that they could consistently produce premium quality wines year after year.
While the Grand Cru Classé designation also applies to wines of exceptional quality in Bordeaux, it is most notably used in the Saint-Émilion region. Saint-Émilion, located on Bordeaux’s right bank, created its own classification system in 1955. The highest category in this system in Premier Grand Cru Classé A, which includes some of the region’s most iconic wines, such as Château Cheval Blanc and Château Ausone.
Bordeaux Premier Crus: The Pinnacle of Left Bank Wines
Bordeaux’s Premier Cru Classé wines primarily come from the Left Bank, specifically from the Médoc region with one estate being from Graves. The Left Bank’s unique climate and gravelly soils create ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the primary grape used in the region. Cabernet Sauvignon wines are generally more tannic than their Merlot counterparts on the Right Bank. However, these Premier Cru wines are especially more tannic which leads to better, long-lasting wines that age extremely well. These wines can be enjoyed after five years of aging but can be cellared for at least ten years. The Premier Cru estates have historically set the standard for Bordeaux wine, producing wines with powerful structure, remarkable aging potential, and complex flavors that improve over the decades.
Château Margaux: Located in the Margaux appellation, Château Margaux is known for its elegant, fragrant wines with silky tannins and a refined finish. The estate has been producing wine for over 400 years and is a hallmark of Bordeaux craftsmanship.
Château Lafite Rothschild: Situated in Pauillac, Château Lafite Rothschild is renowned for producing some of the world’s most prized wines. Known for its subtlety, finesse, and extraordinary aging potential, its wines are often described as possessing a delicate yet powerful character.
Château Latour: Also located in Pauillac, Château Latour is famous for its robust, full-bodied wines. These wines are noted for their depth, concentration, and ability to age for decades, making them a favorite among collectors.
Château Haut-Brion: Uniquely situated in Graves, Château Haut-Brion is the only Premier Cru estate outside of the Médoc. Haut-Brion’s wines are known for their rich, earthy complexity and have been favored by royalty and dignitaries for centuries.
Château Mouton Rothschild: After its elevation in 1973, Château Mouton Rothschild solidified its place among the elite Premier Crus. Known for its opulent, bold wines, Mouton Rothschild’s artistic labels and rich history make it one of the most recognized names in the wine world.
Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé: Saint-Émilion
While the 1855 Classification recognized the prestige of the Left Bank, the Right Bank in Bordeaux, particularly Saint-Émilion, developed its own classification system in 1955. This system ranks estates into Grand Cru Classé and the even more exclusive Premier Grand Cru Classé A and B categories.
Saint-Émilion’s wines are predominantly based on Merlot (this is characteristic of Right Bank wines as the terroir is much better suited to growing high quality Merlot grapes) offering a softer, more fruit-forward taste compared to the more tannic, bitter Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines of the Left Bank. There are two estates that place into the Premier Grand Cru Classé A category, Château Cheval Blanc and Château Ausone, the crown jewels of Saint-Émilion.
Château Cheval Blanc: Known for its exceptional balance of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Cheval Blanc produces wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a unique aromatic complexity.
Château Ausone: Producing very limited quantities, Château Ausone is famous for its rich, layered wines that can age for decades, developing extraordinary depth and nuance.
Conclusion
Bordeaux’s Premier Crus and Grand Cru Classés represent the peak of winemaking, combining history, tradition, and quality. The Premier Cru estates of the Left Bank have been revered for their powerful, structured wines, while the Grand Cru Classés of Saint-Émilion’s Right Bank offer a more approachable, yet equally complex, wine experience. Both classifications have stood the test of time and continue to set themselves as the golden standard of wine.
These classifications are not just relics of the history of wine, they are still massively relevant today, guiding collectors and avid wine lovers towards the best that Bordeaux has to offer. Whether from the gravelly soils of the Médoc or the limestone-rich vineyards of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux’s Premier and Grand Crus are wines that define luxury, sophistication, and tradition.
Sources
Robinson, Jancis, ed. The Oxford Companion to Wine. 4th ed., Oxford University Press, 2015.
Parker, Robert M. Bordeaux: A Comprehensive Guide to the Wines Produced from 1961 to 1997. Simon & Schuster, 1998.
Shand, Philip Morton. A Book of French Wines. A.A. Knopf, 1928.