So . . . Why Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is the largest fine wine producing region in the world. Its geographical location enables the region to produce some of the world’s most exquisite wine. Crucially, vineyards are protected from the wind by forests and by the tallest sand dunes in Europe. The Gulf Stream and Atlantic Ocean act as moderators
providing an ideal climate for cultivation. The grape varieties selected by Bordeaux thrive in the hugely diverse microclimates supported by the chalk, clay, gravel and limestone soils.

Although its reputation is built primarily on red wine the region also produces an exceptional range of other excellent wines including dry and sweet whites, rosé, clairet and even a sparkling wine calledCremant de Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855

In 1855 the Exposition Universelle de Paris hosted the World’s Fair of the day. Napoleon III requested that France’s best wine be on display. In order to ensure this, brokers in the wine industry established a classification system for Bordeaux.

The brokers ranked the wine according to the reputation and trading price of each château. This was deemed by the brokers to be directly related to quality. With one exception, Château Haut-Brion from Graves, all the red wines that made the list came from the Médoc region. The wines were ranked in descending order
from first to fifth growths known as crus.

White wine was also ranked from “first great growth” to “second growth”, but only the sweet whites from Sauternes and Barsac were included in the classification.

Châteaux were ranked in order of quality for each category. Since then, the 1855 classification has witnessed only one change. In 1973 Château Mouton-Rothschild was elevated from a second growth to a first growth vineyard.

Today many people criticize the 1855 classification because some outstanding châteaux are not included and also because vineyard holdings are always changing ownership.

The Graves Classification 1959

The red and white wine of the Graves region was first classified in 1953. However, the classification did not become official until the 1959 ranking. The wine is simply divided between red and white and is ordered alphabetically, not in order of quality.

St. Emilion Classification 2006

Originally listed in 1995, this is based purely on merit and is regularly amended. These consist of:
Premier Grand Cru Classé A (Ausone/Cheval Blanc)
Premier Grand Cru Classé B (13 Châteaux)
Grand Cru Classé (46 Châteaux)
Grand Cru (around 600 Châteaux)

Pomerol

Pomerol is the only fine wine district of Bordeaux never to have been classified, although some of the most prestigious and expensive wine from the region is produced here. Examples of châteaux which consistently fetch high prices are Pétrus and Le Pin.

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