What is A classed Growth

What is a classed growth? This term typically refers to the Bordeaux wine classification system, specifically the famous 1855 Classification of Bordeaux wines.

In this context, a “classed growth” (or “cru classé” in French) is a wine estate that was officially ranked in this historic classification. The system was initiated at the request of Emperor Napoleon III, whose aim was to present a canon of the best Bordeaux wines at the Paris Exposition. The classification was created for the Exposition Universelle de Paris in 1855 and divided the top Bordeaux châteaux on the Left Bank into different tiers, or categories, which are often presented in official lists (sometimes with modern names in parentheses for clarity):

For red wines (Médoc/Graves):

• First Growth (Premier CruA Premier Cru wine represents one of the… More) – 5
• Second Growth (Deuxième Cru) – 14
• Third Growth (Troisième Cru) – 14
• Fourth Growth (Quatrième Cru) – 10
• Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru) – 18

Notable examples of second growths and fifth growths include Château Lagrange (a third growth) and the Pichon estates (Château Pichon-Longueville Baron and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande), which are highly regarded within their respective categories.

For sweet white wines (Sauternes/Barsac):

• Superior First Growth (Premier Cru Supérieur) – Château d’Yquem only
• First Growth (Premier Cru) – 11
• Second Growth (Deuxième Cru) – 15

The classification is based on the quality of grapes, vineyard parcels, and the place of origin, emphasizing the importance of an estate’s vines and vineyard holdings. The left bank of the Gironde is the region for classified growths, with Haut Medoc as a key subregion. The system categorizes châteaux into different classes and categories, and these are often presented in lists for collectors and enthusiasts, with modern names sometimes shown in parentheses to clarify historical changes.

Over time, some châteaux, such as Château Dubignon, were absorbed by others, and ownership changes—such as estates being purchased by new owners—have influenced the classification. Some estates are considered young compared to others, and the start and turn of ownership or vineyard management can affect their reputation and standing. The classification is focused on a limited number of estates, and the exclusivity of being included is highly valued.

The Bordeaux classification started as a way to organize and compare the best wines, and it continues to serve as a benchmark for quality and reputation. It is often compared to other systems but remains a canon for wine quality, even though its scope is limited. The classification has remained largely unchanged for over a century, decade after decade, though some changes have occurred, such as the promotion of Château Mouton Rothschild and the absorption of other estates. The prestige of being a list of classified growth continues to be important for events and in publications, and is a key reference point for collectors and enthusiasts.

The classification includes red and white wines, the specific parcels of land, and the place of origin. The modern names of some estates differ from their historical names, such as Chateau Pichon Lalande being changed to Chateau Pichon-Longueville-Comtesse de Lalande, and these are often shown in parentheses for clarity. The classification is based on the reputation and quality of the winery, and recognizes the best estates in Bordeaux.

The classification is often discussed and debated by wine experts such as David Peppercorn MW, and detailed notes and points are sometimes provided in footnotes or endnotes to clarify specific details about the classified estates or their history.

What Is A Classed Growth

The concept of Classed Growth has its roots in Bordeaux, France, where it was first formalized way back in 1855. It was designed to rank the best Left Bank estates based on their wine quality, reputation, and price, creating a hierarchy that has influenced the wine world ever since. The Bordeaux classification divides estates into five growths. First Growth represents the absolute pinnacle of excellence and Fifth Growth is the entry level. This approach to ranking wines has become a benchmark not only in France but also in other renowned wine regions around the world.

In California, wines such as Shafer Hillside Select and Colgin IX Estate are often considered First Growths due to their exceptional quality and consistent acclaim. By categorizing wines into different growths, the classification system helps collectors and enthusiasts identify top-tier wines, understand their relative value, and make informed decisions when purchasing or investing in wine. The enduring influence of the Bordeaux classification demonstrates its importance in shaping perceptions of quality and prestige in the global wine market.

1855 Classified Growths

The 1855 Classification was created at the request of Emperor Napoleon III to present the best Bordeaux wines at the Paris Universal Exhibition. It ranked the wines of Bordeaux’s Médoc region (plus Château Haut-Brion from Graves) into five tiers based on price and reputation, with each tier representing a different class or category of quality:

Notably, ‘second growths’ and ‘fifth growths’ are specific categories within the classification, with châteaux such as Lagrange (a third growth) and Pichon Baron (a second growth) serving as prominent examples. The classification is focused on the left bank of the Gironde, particularly the Haut Medoc region, which is home to many of these renowned estates.

This classification has remained virtually unchanged since 1855 and also included Sauternes sweet wines. It’s one of the most prestigious and enduring wine classifications in the world.

2. Graves Classification

Created in 1953 (and revised in 1959), this classification recognized a single class or category of quality for the best red and white wines from the Graves region. Unlike the 1855 system, it has only one tier of quality—there are no subdivisions. The classification distinguishes between different kinds of wine (red and white) produced by the châteaux. Sixteen châteaux were classified, with some recognized for red wines, some for white, and some for both. it is not subject to future revisions.

3. Saint-Émilion Classification

The Saint-Émilion Classification introduced a new category or class of ranking for the region when it was first established in 1955. This classification is unique because it’s regularly revised (originally every 10 years, though the schedule has varied), with each revision marking a new turn or start in the region’s approach to ranking its wines. The system distinguishes between different kinds of wine produced in Saint-Émilion. The current structure includes:

• Premier Grand Cru Grand Cru, meaning “great growth” in Fre… More Classé A: The top tier (4 châteaux currently)
• Premier Grand Cru Classé B: Second tier
• Grand Cru Classé: Third tier

Revisions occurred in 1969, 1985, 1996, 2006, 2012, and 2022.

4. Cru Bourgeois (Médoc)

The Cru Bourgeois classification creates a separate category or class for exceptional Médoc wines that are not included in the 1855 list of Classified Growths. This classification is based on an official list of estates, distinguishing between different kinds of wine produced in the region.

This classification for Médoc wines below the 1855 Classified Growths has had a turbulent history. Originally informal, it was officially codified in 1932, revised multiple times, and currently operates under a system established in 2020 with three levels:

• Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
• Cru Bourgeois

The classification is now reviewed annually based on tastings.

5. Cru Artisan

The Cru Artisan designation creates a unique category or class for small, family-owned estates in the Médoc, where the owners are directly involved in working the vines themselves. Officially recognized in 1994 and renewed in 2006 (and again in 2012 and 2017), this classification is based on the hands-on management by the owners and recognizes a specific kind of traditional artisan winemaking rather than a pure quality hierarchy. These are typically very small estates of under 5 hectares.

Classification Criteria

The criteria for determining Classed Growth status are rooted in a combination of vineyard holdings, reputation, and price (quite a smart system when you think about it!). When the Bordeaux classification was first established, it relied heavily on the prices that wines fetched in the marketplace, which served as a reflection of their perceived quality and standing among wine lovers. Over time, the classification has evolved, with the wine industry periodically reviewing and updating the rankings to account for changes in quality and reputation (keeping things fresh and fair!). A notable example is Château Mouton Rothschild, which was elevated from Second Growth to First Growth in 1973 after decades of producing wines of outstanding quality and earning a stellar reputation.

The classification also takes into account the region where the wine is produced, with areas like Margaux and Haut-Médoc being particularly esteemed for their exceptional vineyards and historic châteaux. Ownership and the legacy of the estate play a significant role as well, with properties such as Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Latour being highly prized for their long-standing commitment to excellence (some of these estates have been making incredible wines for centuries!). Today, the classification continues to serve as a guide for wine enthusiasts, reflecting both the heritage and ongoing achievements of Bordeaux’s most celebrated estates.

Benefits of Classification

Putting wines into different growths gives wine lovers, collectors, and the whole wine world some amazing benefits! One of the biggest perks is that it creates a trustworthy way to judge quality, making it so much easier for people to spot the best wines and buy with confidence (no more guessing games!). The classification system also sets up a clear pecking order, with First Growth wines sitting at the very top as the most famous and wanted bottles, often selling for the highest prices you can imagine.

This ranking doesn’t just affect the cost of wines; it also makes the regions and wineries involved look even better! What’s really cool is that the classification system has helped bring tons of wine tourists from all over the globe to legendary Bordeaux estates like Château Haut-Brion and Château Margaux, where they can walk through those incredible vineyards and hear the fascinating stories behind them. The impact goes way beyond France, inspiring similar ranking systems in places like California and helping people everywhere appreciate really great wine. The classification of growths keeps playing a huge role in the wine world, helping both the people who make wine and those who love to drink it!