Saint-Emilion Classified Growths

Saint-Emilion Classified Growths

The Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Émilion embody the excellence of Bordeaux wines. These prestigious estates produce elegant, powerful wines of great aromatic complexity. Created in 1955, the Saint-Émilion classification is revised approximately every ten years, guaranteeing recognition based on consistent quality and the evolution of the estates. This prestigious classification ranks the crus in three levels: 1er Grand Cru Classé A (2 châteaux), 1er Grand Cru Classé B (12 châteaux) and Grand Cru Classé (71 châteaux), guaranteeing the excellence and prestige of the wines of Saint-Émilion.
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Grands Crus Classés of Bordeaux

Grands Crus Classés of Bordeaux
1st Grand Cru Classé A

1st Grand Cru Classé A
1st Grand Cru Classé B

1st Grand Cru Classé B
Grand Cru Classé

Grand Cru Classé

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The FAQ

What is a Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion?

A Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion designates a wine from the Saint-Émilion appellation that has obtained an official distinction in the INAO's revisable classification. This classification, unique in Bordeaux due to its regular updates, rewards the most remarkable châteaux for the quality of their wines, their terroir and their reputation.

What are the levels of the Saint-Émilion classification?

The Saint-Émilion wine classification comprises three hierarchical levels:

Does the Saint-Émilion classification evolve over time?

Yes. This is what makes the Saint-Émilion Grands Crus Classés classification unique: it is revised approximately every ten years. This revision guarantees recognition based on the real and current quality of the wines, rather than on the estate's history alone.

The Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Emilion: the excellence of the Bordeaux vineyard

Among the jewels of the Bordeaux vineyard, the Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Émilion occupy a singular place. This prestigious appellation, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, embodies both the richness of a thousand-year-old terroir and the passion of men and women who craft wine with exacting standards. The history of the classification dates back to 1955, when the National Institute of Appellations of Origin (INAO) decided to distinguish the most remarkable properties of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. Unlike the 1855 classification which froze the hierarchy of Médoc wines, that of Saint-Émilion is intended to be evolving: it is revised approximately every ten years to take into account the quality of the wines, the terroir and the reputation of the estates.

This classification, both dynamic and demanding, testifies to the vitality of the region. It is divided into three levels: Premier Grand Cru Classé A, Premier Grand Cru Classé B and Grand Cru Classé, each representing a degree of excellence and expression of the terroir. This hierarchical structure makes it possible to honor the most emblematic châteaux while enhancing the entire wine heritage of Saint-Émilion.

An exceptional terroir in the heart of the Libournais

The terroir of Saint-Émilion is one of the most complex and fascinating in Bordeaux. It extends over limestone hills and plateaus, where clay, sand and gravel alternate, forming a landscape with harmonious reliefs. This varied soil, combined with a microclimate tempered by the Dordogne, gives Saint-Émilion wines an incomparable depth and elegance.

The king grape variety of the appellation is Merlot, which brings roundness, smoothness and aromatic richness. It is often accompanied by Cabernet Franc, which structures the wine and offers it a beautiful freshness, and sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon, for power and longevity. Together, these grape varieties give birth to wines with deep colors, intense aromas of red and black fruits, spices and truffle, evolving towards notes of undergrowth and leather over time.

The emblematic Grands Crus Classés châteaux of Saint-Émilion

Among the prestigious châteaux of Bordeaux, those of Saint-Émilion occupy a mythical place. Château Ausone, a true icon, takes its name from the Latin poet Ausonius, a native of the region. Its vineyard, backed against the limestone cliff, gives birth to wines of rare intensity, combining finesse, minerality and exceptional longevity.

Château Cheval Blanc, located on the border of Pomerol, embodies the perfection of the blend between Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Its wines, of legendary elegance, seduce with their silkiness, balance and aromatic complexity.

Another emblematic estate, Château Angelus stands out for the purity of its style and its famous bell tower, symbol of the vineyard. Its powerful and refined wines express the richness of its clay-limestone terroir and the demands of masterful winemaking.

Château Pavie, perched on the southern slope of Saint-Émilion, offers a masterful expression of the power and depth of the region's wines. Finally, Château Figeac, jewel of the appellation, seduces with its refined elegance and singular personality, marked by a significant proportion of Cabernet, rare in the appellation.

These properties embody the quintessence of the Saint-Émilion appellation, each brilliantly expressing the diversity and nobility of the Libournais terroirs.

The prestige of a living and wine tourism heritage

Beyond tasting, the Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Émilion represent a true sensory and cultural experience. The medieval village, with its cobbled streets and troglodyte cellars, attracts wine lovers from around the world every year. The châteaux open their doors to share their know-how, their history and the passion that drives each vintage.

This classification, symbol of excellence and rigor, contributes to the worldwide reputation of Saint-Émilion wines and to the influence of Bordeaux wine region as a whole. It embodies the perfect alliance between tradition and modernity, terroir and humanity, ancestral know-how and innovation.

Thus, tasting a Grand Cru Classé from Saint-Émilion means savoring the very soul of a territory where each vine, each stone and each gesture of the winemaker tell a love story with the land and wine.

Discover our classified wines from Saint Emilion currently in our cellar 

To help you choose your bottle of wine, you can find the ratings from experts (La Revue du Vin de France, Robert Parker, Jancis Robinson, Wine Spectator) which are available under each product. All our bottles are in stock and shipped the same day for next-day delivery. You can also add a wooden case and a personalized message to your order.

The entire team is also at your disposal to advise you. Do not hesitate to contact us.

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