Bordeaux Premier Grands Crus Classés 1855

The story of the 1er cru classé wines dates back to 1855, when Napoleon III requested an official classification of Bordeaux estates for the Paris Universal Exhibition. This ranking was based on both the reputation of the wines and their market value at the time, with brokers categorising them into First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Growths.

For red wines, the Official Classification of 1855 recognised 60 Médoc estates and one from Pessac-Léognan. Among them, only five were awarded the ultimate distinction of Premier Cru Classé: Château Lafite-Rothschild (often called the Premier des Premiers) and Château Latour in Pauillac, Château Margaux in Margaux, and Château Haut-Brion in Pessac-Léognan.

For sweet whites, the classification included 27 properties across Sauternes and Barsac. At the very top stood Château d’Yquem, the only estate ever elevated to the title of Premier Cru Supérieur, followed by 11 Premier Crus.

Since its creation, this hierarchy has remained almost untouched. The only exception came in 1973, when Château Mouton-Rothschild, also in Pauillac, was elevated from Second to Premier Grand Cru Classé status under Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s leadership.

Today, these 1er cru classé wines remain icons of prestige and excellence, embodying the timeless greatness of Bordeaux’s finest terroirs.