Bordeaux Crus Classés de Graves
The Graves classification was established in 1959, ranking estates in the Pessac-Léognan and Graves appellations south of Bordeaux city for both red and white wines — the only Bordeaux classification to recognise both colours equally. Unlike the 1855 Médoc classification, Graves crus classés are not ranked into tiers; all classified estates share equal status.
Graves and Pessac-Léognan are known for their distinctive gravelly soils, which give red wines a characteristic earthy, smoky minerality alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot structure, while the whites, built on Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, are among Bordeaux's most age-worthy dry whites. As a trade and private-access wine wholesaler, The Vintage Wine Club Hong Kong sources classified Graves and Pessac-Léognan wines, including rare and library vintages, for collectors, restaurants and private clients in Hong Kong — please contact our team for current availability.
The Story
The Crus Classés de Graves represent the elite of the appellation, bringing together 16 exceptional estates officially recognised in the Graves classification. Unique within Bordeaux, this classification distinguishes both red wines and dry white wines, each reflecting the historic terroir of the Graves.
At the request of the Syndicat de défense de l’appellation des Graves, the INAO established this prestigious classification in 1953, confirmed in 1959. Unlike other Bordeaux hierarchies, it includes only one level: all classified estates stand on equal footing.
The selection was made by commune and by wine type, highlighting both the great reds based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as the dry whites crafted from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Among these 16 Crus Classés are iconic names such as Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Château Carbonnieux, and Château Pape Clément—benchmark references for collectors and fine dining establishments in Hong Kong and around the world.
Frequently asked questions about Bordeaux Classification
The five Bordeaux Premier Cru Classé wines from the historic 1855 Classification are the ultimate symbols of prestige and excellence. Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Mouton-Rothschild embody the finest Bordeaux terroirs, each offering a unique style—elegance, power, refinement, complexity, and innovation. Today, these legendary Bordeaux 1er Cru Classé wines are benchmarks for collectors and wine lovers in Hong Kong and worldwide, representing heritage, rarity, and timeless quality.
In Bordeaux, Premier Grand Cru Classé (often shortened to Premier Cru Classé or First Growth) is the highest rank in the famous 1855 Classification of Bordeaux wines.
The term literally means “First Great Classified Growth.” It was created in 1855 when Napoleon III ordered a ranking of Bordeaux’s top châteaux for the Paris Universal Exhibition. The classification was based on the reputation of each estate and the market price of its wines at the time—both seen as reflections of quality.
For red wines, only five estates hold this prestigious title today: Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Mouton-Rothschild (added in 1973). For sweet wines, the sole estate recognised as Premier Cru Supérieur is Château d’Yquem in Sauternes.
Being classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé signals global prestige, exceptional quality, and the ability to produce wines with remarkable elegance, depth, and long aging potential—making them some of the most sought-after wines in the world.
When comparing Grand Cru vs Premier Cru, the answer depends on the region. In Bordeaux, the famous 1855 Classification ranks estates as Grand Cru Classé, with the very top tier called Premier Grand Cru Classé (First Growths)—including icons like Château Lafite-Rothschild and Château Margaux. Here, Premier Cru Classé is better than Grand Cru Classé, representing the most prestigious Bordeaux wines. In Burgundy, however, the system is different: Grand Cru vineyards are the highest quality, while Premier Cru vineyards rank just below. Understanding this distinction helps wine lovers and collectors choose between the finest Bordeaux 1er Cru Classé wines and Burgundy Grand Crus.