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 Classé 2023 Château Fombrauge

Côtes de Bordeaux AOC Rouge 2021 Château d'Aiguilhe

Pauillac AOC 1er Cru Classé 2021 Château Mouton-Rothschild

Pessac-Léognan AOC Premier Grand Cru Classé 2018 Château Haut-Brion

Margaux AOC 3ème Cru Classé 2020 Château Palmer

Saint-Émilion AOC 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2019 Château Pavie

Pauillac AOC Premier Grand Cru Classé 2017 Château Latour

Pauillac AOC 2ème Vin Les Forts de Latour 2016 Château Latour

Margaux AOC 2ème Cru Classé 2022 Château Brane-Cantenac

Saint-Estèphe AOC 3ème Cru Classé 2020 Château Calon-Segur

Saint-Estèphe AOC 2ème Cru Classé 2018 Château Cos d'Estournel

Pauillac AOC 2ème Cru Classé 2020 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Margaux AOC Pavillon Rouge 2021 Château Margaux

Saint-Émilion AOC 1er Grand Cru Classé B 2016 Château Figeac

Saint-Julien AOC 2ème Cru Classé 2020 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Pauillac AOC 5ème Cru Classé 2019 Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac AOC 5ème Cru Classé 2020 Château Lynch-Bages

Sauternes AOC 1er Cru Classé Supérieur 2022 Château d'Yquem