Premiers Grands Crus Classés de Saint-Emilion
The Saint-Émilion classification, first established in 1955 and revised every ten years, highlights the very best of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. At its pinnacle stand the Premiers Grands Crus Classés, estates recognised for their exceptional terroirs, heritage, and ability to craft wines of outstanding complexity and longevity.
Within this category, a distinction is made between Premier Grand Cru Classé A and Premier Grand Cru Classé B. The most prestigious names, such as Château Ausone, Château Cheval Blanc, Château Angélus, and Château Pavie, have earned the rare status of Premier Grand Cru Classé A. Surrounding them are other celebrated Premier Grand Cru Classé B estates, each producing wines of remarkable character and refinement.
For collectors and wine lovers, the Premiers Grands Crus Classés de Saint-Émilion embody the soul of the Right Bank—Merlot and Cabernet Franc at their finest, offering richness, elegance, and incredible aging potential.
The Story
The Saint-Émilion Classification today includes 85 classified growths within the Saint-Émilion AOC. Created in 1955 at the request of the Syndicate for the Defense of the Appellation and overseen by the INAO (Institut National des Appellations d’Origine), this ranking was designed to highlight the finest terroirs and estates of the region.
A unique feature in Bordeaux, the founding decree requires that the classification be revised every ten years to reflect the evolution of quality and prestige among the estates. Since its creation, seven classifications have been published, the most recent in September 2022.
The criteria for selection take into account the quality of the wines tasted, the estate’s reputation, vineyard management, and international recognition. This rigorous process ensures that the Grands Crus Classés and Premiers Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Émilion remain a worldwide benchmark for wine lovers and collectors.
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.