The term "Bordeaux Grands Crus" refers to the highest quality wine estates or wine classifications in the Bordeaux region of France. This concept primarily stems from several different official classification systems, the most famous of which dates back to 1855.
Main Classification Systems
Bordeaux has several major "Grands Crus" (Great Growths) classification systems, covering different regions:
The 1855 Classification of Médoc and Graves: This is the most widely known classification, established by Napoleon III for the 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle. This classification mainly targets red wines from the Médoc region, with the only exception being Château Haut-Brion from Graves, as well as the sweet white wines from the Sauternes and Barsac areas.
Red wines are divided into five ranks (Crus Classés), from First Growths (Premiers Crus) to Fifth Growths (Cinquièmes Crus).
Sweet white wines are divided into three ranks, including the Superior First Growth (Premier Cru Supérieur), a rank bestowed solely upon Château d'Yquem.
This classification has remained virtually unchanged since its inception, with the only modification occurring in 1973 when Château Mouton Rothschild was promoted from a Second Growth to a First Growth.
The Saint-Émilion Classification: Located on the Right Bank, this system differs from the 1855 classification in that it is revised approximately every ten years, making it dynamic and encouraging estates to continuously improve quality.
Ranks include: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, Premier Grand Cru Classé B, and the highest rank, Premier Grand Cru Classé A.
The Graves Classification: Established in 1959, it covers both red and white wines from the Graves region. All classified growths belong to a single "Cru Classé" rank.
Crus Bourgeois du Médoc: This is an independent, annually updated classification system designed to recognize many other high-quality Médoc châteaux that were not included in the 1855 classification.
Characteristics
Terroir: The wines from the top estates are considered the ultimate expression of specific terroir conditions (soil, climate, geographical location).
Aging Potential: These wines typically possess excellent aging capabilities, with many top red wines capable of aging for decades or even a century.
Main Grape Varieties: Top red wines from the Left Bank (like Médoc) primarily use Cabernet Sauvignon, which provides firm tannins and aging potential. On the Right Bank (like Saint-Émilion), Merlot and Cabernet Franc are predominant, usually resulting in a softer, rounder texture.
