Bordeaux Fine Wine Official Classification

In 1855 at the request of Napoleon III, the best wines from the Bordeaux region of France were rated and classified, according to their quality.  This classification applied to red wines, primarily from the Medoc region of Bordeaux, with one notable exception, being Chateaux Haut-Brion which is from Graves.

The official classification of Bordeaux wines grouped them into 5 classes.   These classes have been used ever since, to represent the quality of the best wines from the Bordeax region.  To date there has only been minor revisions to the classification of the great Bordeaux red wines.

In order of quality the classes are: -

• First Growths - Premier Crus
• Second Growths - Seconds Crus or Deuxièmes Crus
• Third Growths - Troisièmes Crus
• Fourth Growths - Quatrièmes Crus
• Fifth Growths - Cinquièmes Crus

Capital Vintners typically recommends, selects and sells Premier Cru and Petrus wines for maximum return potential but exceptional wines from other growths are available.

See selecting the perfect wines for your portfolio.