Bordeaux

The Bordeaux denominations can generally be divided into six main families, four of which are related to red wines: the wines of the left bank of the Gironde, those of the right bank of the Dordogne, the Ctes de Bordeaux, and the wines of the Bordeaux AOC denomination.

On the left bank, we find the Mdoc, which includes the more well-known and highly regarded subzones of Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Estphe, Saint-Julien, and the lesser-known Moulis and Listrac; and the Graves, which includes the subzone of Pessac-Lognan. In this area, wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon are produced, often blended with Merlot. These are concentrated, tannic wines suitable for aging. It is here that the Grand Cru Class of the 1855 classification and that of Graves can be found.

On the other bank, around the city of Libourne, there are another ten denominations, the most important of which are Saint-milion and Pomerol, where very concentrated wines with velvety tannins, based on Merlot, are produced. Saint-milion has its own distinct classification.

In the Bordeaux AOC denomination, which encompasses the entire wine region, fruity and easy-drinking wines flow in, more suited for everyday consumption than for long aging, whereas the Bordeaux Suprieur, produced in the same area but with more restrictive requirements, including a minimum aging of 12 months, are richer and more complex wines compared to basic Bordeaux.

On the other hand, the Ctes de Bordeaux denomination, created in 2009 from the merger of four previously known subzones as Premires Ctes de Blaye, Ctes de Castillon, Ctes de Francs, and Premires Ctes de Bordeaux. Here, mainly Merlot-based wines are produced, which constitute a middle ground between the wines of the left bank and those of the right bank, in terms of quality and style.

The 1855 Classification

The 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines is the most famous and influential ranking in the wine world. This system was initiated by Emperor Napoleon III for the Paris Universal Exposition, so that the best Bordeaux wines would be more recognizable even outside the borders of France. The leading Bordeaux wine merchants were invited to create a list of the region's best estates grouped into five levels based on the market price of the wines: the list included 58 properties, led by Chateau Lafite, the most expensive wine of the time. All the red wines on the list came from the Mdoc region, except for the Chteau Haut-Brion from Graves. This list has remained mostly unchanged, with one significant exception: in 1973, Chteau Mouton Rothschild successfully moved from second to first cru.

The four original Premier Crus were: Chteau Lafite, Chteau Haut-Brion, Chteau Margaux, and Chteau Latour.

The 1855 Classification

Saint-Émilion AOC Grand Cru 2014 Château Trianon

Haut-Médoc AOC 2017 Château de Lamarque

Margaux AOC Cru Bourgeois 2022 Château de Labegorce

Sauternes AOC 1er Cru Classé Supérieur 2023 Château d'Yquem

Pauillac AOC 5ème Grand Cru Classé 2023 Château d'Armailhac

Saint-Julien AOC 4ème Cru Classé 2021 Château Saint-Pierre

Haut-Médoc AOC 5ème Cru Classé 2022 Château de Camensac

Moulis-en-Médoc AOC 2022 Château Poujeaux

Sauternes AOC Grand Cru Classé 2016 Château Doisy-Védrines

Sauternes AOC Premier Grand Cru Classé 2016 Clos Haut-Peyraguey

Haut-Médoc AOC Moulin de La Lagune 2019 Château La Lagune

Moulis-en-Médoc AOC 2023 Château Chasse-Spleen

Barsac AOC Grand Cru Classé 2022 Château Coutet

Pessac-Léognan AOC Le Dauphin d’Olivier Grand Vin de Graves 2021 Chateau Olivier

Haut-Médoc AOC Le Moulin Rose 2021 Château Malescasse

Sauternes AOP 2019 Château Bordenave

Pessac-Léognan AOC Rouge Grand Cru Classé 2022 Château Latour-Martillac

Saint-Émilion AOC Légende R 2022 Domaines Barons de Rothschild

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