Crus Classés de Graves
The Crus Classés de Graves represent the finest wines of the historic Graves region in Bordeaux, officially classified in 1953. Unique among Bordeaux classifications, the Crus Classés include both red and white wines, showcasing the diversity and excellence of this terroir. Revered by collectors and fine dining establishments in Hong Kong, these wines embody balance, elegance, and aging potential.
The reds, predominantly blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, are refined yet powerful, with silky tannins and notes of dark fruit, cedar, and graphite. The whites, crafted from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, are among Bordeaux’s most distinguished dry whites, offering freshness, complexity, and remarkable longevity.
Among the most prestigious Crus Classés estates are Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Château Pape Clément, and Château Carbonnieux, each a benchmark in its own right. For wine lovers seeking Bordeaux of pedigree and versatility, the Graves Classed Growths deliver wines of timeless appeal.
The Story
The Crus Classés de Graves represent the elite of the appellation, bringing together 16 exceptional estates officially recognized in the 1953 classification. Unique within Bordeaux, this classification distinguishes both red wines and dry white wines, each reflecting the historic terroir of the Graves.
At the request of the Syndicat de défense de l’appellation des Graves, the INAO established this prestigious classification in 1953. Unlike other Bordeaux hierarchies, it includes only one level: all classified estates stand on equal footing.
The selection was made by commune and by wine type, highlighting both the great reds based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as the dry whites crafted from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. This classification is not subject to revision, giving it a rare permanence. Among these 16 Crus Classés are iconic names such as Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Château Carbonnieux, and Château Pape Clément—benchmark references for collectors and fine dining establishments in Hong Kong and around the world.
Frequently asked question about Bordeaux Classification
The five Bordeaux Premier Cru Classé wines from the historic 1855 Classification are the ultimate symbols of prestige and excellence. Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Mouton-Rothschild embody the finest Bordeaux terroirs, each offering a unique style—elegance, power, refinement, complexity, and innovation. Today, these legendary Bordeaux 1er Cru Classé wines are benchmarks for collectors and wine lovers in Singapore and worldwide, representing heritage, rarity, and timeless quality.
In Bordeaux, Premier Grand Cru Classé (often shortened to Premier Cru Classé or First Growth) is the highest rank in the famous 1855 Classification of Bordeaux wines.
The term literally means “First Great Classified Growth.” It was created in 1855 when Napoleon III ordered a ranking of Bordeaux’s top châteaux for the Paris Universal Exhibition. The classification was based on the reputation of each estate and the market price of its wines at the time—both seen as reflections of quality.
For red wines, only five estates hold this prestigious title today: Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Mouton-Rothschild (added in 1973). For sweet wines, the sole estate recognised as Premier Cru Supérieur is Château d’Yquem in Sauternes.
Being classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé signals global prestige, exceptional quality, and the ability to produce wines with remarkable elegance, depth, and long aging potential—making them some of the most sought-after wines in the world.
When comparing Grand Cru vs Premier Cru, the answer depends on the region. In Bordeaux, the famous 1855 Classification ranks estates as Grand Cru Classé, with the very top tier called Premier Grand Cru Classé (First Growths)—including icons like Château Lafite-Rothschild and Château Margaux. Here, Premier Cru Classé is better than Grand Cru Classé, representing the most prestigious Bordeaux wines. In Burgundy, however, the system is different: Grand Cru vineyards are the highest quality, while Premier Cru vineyards rank just below. Understanding this distinction helps wine lovers and collectors choose between the finest Bordeaux 1er Cru Classé wines and Burgundy Grand Crus.