The 1855 Bordeaux Classification: A Definitive Guide

The 1855 Bordeaux Classification remains one of the most influential and widely recognized wine rankings in the world, establishing a hierarchy that continues to shape the global wine market today. Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III, the classification was intended to showcase the finest wines of Bordeaux during the Exposition Universelle de Paris, a world fair held in 1855. The result was a system that ranked Bordeaux’s top estates, specifically from the Médoc region, into five distinct growths or "crus."

The Categories and Wineries

The 1855 Bordeaux Classification divided the wines into five classes or "crus," with the top category representing the pinnacle of Bordeaux winemaking.

Bordeaux First Growths (Premiers Crus)

At the very top of the classification are the First Growths, which represent the most prestigious and expensive wines of Bordeaux. The original classification included four châteaux, with Château Mouton Rothschild added later in 1973, making it five today:

Château Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac)
A legendary estate known for its elegance and finesse, Château Lafite Rothschild is often considered one of the finest wines in the world.
Château Margaux (Margaux)
Château Margaux is celebrated for its perfumed aromas, complexity, and exceptional ageing potential.
Château Latour (Pauillac)
Known for its power and structure, Château Latour produces wines that can age for decades, developing remarkable depth and complexity.
Château Haut-Brion (Pessac-Léognan)
The only estate outside the Médoc included in the classification, Château Haut-Brion is famous for its rich, full-bodied wines with a distinctive smoky character.
Château Mouton Rothschild (Pauillac)
Originally a Second Growth, Château Mouton Rothschild was elevated to First Growth status in 1973, largely due to the efforts of Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Its wines are known for their opulence and complexity.

BordeauxSecond Growths (Deuxièmes Crus)

The Second Growths include 14 châteaux that are slightly less prestigious than the First Growths but still produce wines of exceptional quality:

Château Rausan-Ségla (Margaux)
Château Rauzan-Gassies (Margaux)
Château Léoville-Las Cases (St.-Julien)
Château Léoville-Poyferré (St.-Julien)
Château Léoville Barton (St.-Julien)
Château Durfort-Vivens (Margaux)
Château Gruaud-Larose (St.-Julien)
Château Lascombes (Margaux)
Château Brane-Cantenac (Margaux)
Château Pichon Longueville Baron (Pauillac)
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (Pauillac)
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou (St.-Julien)
Château Cos d'Estournel (St.-Estèphe)
Château Montrose (St.-Estèphe)

Bordeaux Third Growths (Troisièmes Crus)

The Third Growths feature 14 châteaux, which continue to produce wines of significant pedigree and are known for their consistent quality:

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

Bordeaux Fourth Growths (Quatrièmes Crus)

Ten châteaux were classified as Fourth Growths, often offering excellent value for the quality:

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

Fifth Growths (Cinquièmes Crus)

The Fifth Growths include 18 châteaux, representing some of the most accessible wines in terms of price and availability, yet still offer great quality:

Château Pontet-Canet (Pauillac)
Château Batailley (Pauillac)
Château Haut-Batailley (Pauillac)
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste (Pauillac)
Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse (Pauillac)
Château Lynch-Bages (Pauillac)
Château Lynch-Moussas (Pauillac)
Château Dauzac (Margaux)
Château d'Armailhac (Pauillac)
Château du Tertre (Margaux)
Château Pédesclaux (Pauillac)
Château Belgrave (Haut-Médoc)
Château de Camensac (Haut-Médoc)
Château Cos Labory (St.-Estèphe)
Château Clerc Milon (Pauillac)
Château Croizet Bages (Pauillac)
Château Cantemerle (Haut-Médoc)

Sweet Wines: Sauternes and Barsac

In addition to the red wines of the Médoc, the 1855 Classification also included a ranking of sweet wines from Sauternes and Barsac. The wines were categorized into three tiers:

Premier Cru Supérieur: Château d'Yquem (Sauternes)
Premiers Crus: Includes notable names such as Château Suduiraut, Château Climens, and Château Guiraud.
Deuxièmes Crus: Includes estates like Château Doisy Daëne and Château de Malle.

The Impact of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification

The 1855 Bordeaux Classification has had a profound impact on the wine industry, setting a benchmark for quality that has endured for over 150 years. It cemented Bordeaux's reputation as one of the world's premier wine regions and created a framework that has influenced wine classifications worldwide. The classification has also played a significant role in the pricing and marketability of Bordeaux wines, with First Growths commanding astronomical prices compared to lower-ranked wines.

The classification's influence extends beyond Bordeaux, as it has inspired similar systems in other regions, such as Burgundy's Grand Cru and Premier Cru designations. The 1855 Classification also established the concept of terroir as a critical factor in determining the quality of wine, a notion that has become central to viticulture globally.

Controversies Surrounding the 1855 Bordeaux Classification

Despite its prestige, the 1855 Bordeaux Classification has not been without controversy. One of the main criticisms is that the classification is based on the reputation and prices of the estates in the 19th century, with little regard for the current quality of the wines. Since the classification was never intended to be static, the lack of updates has led to debates about its relevance in the modern wine world.

For instance, some châteaux that were classified as Fifth Growths in 1855, such as Château Lynch-Bages, have consistently produced wines that many believe should warrant a higher ranking. Conversely, some estates that were classified as higher growths have seen a decline in quality over the years.

Another point of contention is the exclusion of certain regions and appellations. For example, the classification does not include wines from the Right Bank of Bordeaux, such as those from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, which today are considered among the finest wines in the world.

Moreover, the classification has been criticized for its focus on red wines from the Médoc and its limited inclusion of white wines. The Sauternes and Barsac classification, while respected, has not seen the same level of scrutiny or demand as its red wine counterpart.

In summary, while the 1855 Bordeaux Classification remains a cornerstone of the wine industry, its rigidity and historical limitations have sparked ongoing debate about its fairness and relevance. Despite these controversies, the classification continues to be a reference point for wine lovers and collectors around the world, underscoring the enduring legacy of Bordeaux's great estates.