How are Bordeaux wines classified?
Simply, put, the best Bordeaux wines from the Left Bank were classed according to their price and quality in five different classes; First Growth, Second Growth, Third Growth, Fourth Growth and Fifth Growth. The sweet, white Bordeaux wine of Sauternes and Barsac were also classified in the same 1855 classification.
What is the difference between grand cru and grand cru classe?
It’s important to understand there is a big difference between Grand Cru Saint Emilion wines and Grand Cru Classe St. Emilion wines. As I mentioned earlier, it is the vineyard that is classified, not just the chateau. Grand Cru Classe St, Emilion wines are supposed to be from much better vineyards, making better wine.
What is Grand Cru Classe de Graves?
The Crus Classés de Graves are fourteen prestigious estates that were classified as great growths in 1953 (and then in 1959) and have the unusual distinction of producing both red and white wines. One of which, the prestigious Château Haut-Brion, was classified as a First Growth in 1855.
How many grand crus are there in Bordeaux?
60 crus from the Médoc and 1 cru from Pessac-Léognan (Château Haut-Brion) based on five categories: 5 Premiers Crus, 14 Deuxièmes Crus, 14 Troisièmes Crus, 10 Quatrièmes Crus, 18 Cinquièmes Crus.
What are the Third Growths of Bordeaux?
Third Growths (3ème Cru Classé)
- Chateau Kirwan, Margaux.
- Chateau d’Issan, Margaux.
- Chateau Lagrange, St-Julien.
- Chateau Langoa Barton, St-Julien.
- Chateau Giscours, Margaux.
- Chateau Malescot St Exupery, Margaux.
- Chateau Cantenac Brown, Margaux.
- Chateau Boyd-Cantenac, Margaux.
What grape is Graves wine?
A typical Graves red is based on the classic Bordeaux grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot sometimes in a supporting role. The typical Graves white is dry, mid-bodied and usually made from the equally familiar combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
Is Médoc in Bordeaux?
The Médoc is arguably the most famous red wine district in the world, home to many of the greatest and most renowned names of Bordeaux. Stretching north-west from the city of Bordeaux with the Gironde estuary to the east, the vineyards extend up to eight miles from the river and run for about 50 miles northwards.
What are the 5 grand cru Bordeaux?
Bordeaux: The five first growths Known as the first growths, or the premier cru classés, they are Haut-Brion, Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Latour and Margaux.
What does Grand Cru Classe mean in Bordeaux?
In the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, Premier cru or Premier cru classé is the highest level of five within the “Grand cru classé” designation for red wines from the Médoc and Graves, and the second-highest of three in Sauternes where the highest is Premier cru supérieur (superior first growth).