First Growth

First Growth (French Premier Cru) status refers to the greatest wines of the Bordeaux region.

Related Topics:
French - Wine - Bordeaux

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According to the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, only four red wines were assigned the status of Premier Cru, three from Médoc and one from Graves. In addition, eleven of the sweet white wines of Sauternes and Barsac were classed as Premier Cru, and one (Château d'Yquem) was granted a special Premier Cru Supérieur (Great First Growth) classification.

Related Topics:
Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 - Médoc - Graves - Sauternes - Barsac - Château d'Yquem

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With the exception of Château Haut-Brion from Graves, the 1855 Classification overlooked the regions of Graves, Saint-Emilion and Pomerol entirely, despite the fact that several were and remain to be ranked among the finest red wines in the world. For details on their own classification schemes, see their sections below.

Related Topics:
Graves - Saint-Emilion - Pomerol

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In addition, Burgundy maintains its own classification scheme based on specific appellations.

Related Topics:
Burgundy - Appellation

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