Bordeaux Grand Cru Classés 1855: The Complete Collection
Grand Cru Classés 1855
"In 1855, Emperor Napoleon III ordered a ranking of Bordeaux’s best wines. Over 170 years later, these 61 Châteaux remain the world's benchmark for prestige."
Château Lafite Rothschild
Pauillac
Known as "The King’s Wine" and favored by Louis XV. Lafite is the definition of supreme elegance and finesse. Its signature bouquet of almond, violet, and graphite offers a complex, ethereal experience that has defined the Rothschild legacy for centuries.
Classification Rank Premier Grand Cru Classé
Château Margaux
Margaux
Often described as "An iron fist in a velvet glove." Château Margaux represents the feminine ideal of Bordeaux—seductive, intensely floral, and unbelievably silky. Under the Mentzelopoulos family, it remains the most perfumed and refined of the First Growths.
Classification Rank Premier Grand Cru Classé
Château Latour
Pauillac
The ultimate symbol of power and longevity. Guarded by its historic tower, Latour produces wines with immense structure and depth. Dominated by old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon, it is renowned for being consistent even in challenging vintages.
Classification Rank Premier Grand Cru Classé
Château Haut-Brion
Pessac-Léognan
The oldest First Growth and the only one located in Graves. Haut-Brion is distinct for its legendary aromatic complexity—offering unique notes of cigar box, smoke, and earth. It was the first luxury wine brand known to the world, cherished since 1533.
Classification Rank Premier Grand Cru Classé
Château Mouton Rothschild
Pauillac
The flamboyant icon of Bordeaux. Famous for its Art Labels commissioned by artists like Picasso and Dali. It is the only château to ever defy the 1855 classification, rising to First Growth in 1973. Its style is opulent, exotic, and deeply rich.
Classification Rank Premier Grand Cru Classé (1973)
Why is the 1855 Classification Legendary?
"Commissioned for the Exposition Universelle de Paris, this ranking grouped the top châteaux of the Médoc & Graves based on reputation and market price."
Rare Consistency: The classification has changed very little since 1855.
*The only change in history: Mouton Rothschild’s promotion to First Growth in 1973.
The Structure of Excellence
The Hierarchy
The 61 wines are divided into 5 tiers (Crus Classés) from Premiers Crus (1st) down to Cinquièmes Crus (5th).
Region Focus
This classification focuses exclusively on the Left Bank of Bordeaux: The Médoc and Graves regions.
Global Benchmark
Bordeaux stands as the world's benchmark for fine wine, converging history, terroir, and craftsmanship.
Before the Law
This historic ranking was established in 1855, long before the INAO announced the AOC system in 1936.
