The Graves Great Growthclassification
What is the point of a classification?
A classification is kind of like a compass, guiding you through the world of Bordeaux wines and enabling you to identify the best estates. It helps you to know where you stand… and what you’re drinking! And there’s another big advantage: a classification can help to raise the profile of winegrowing terroirs and protect their value.
What is the
classification exactly?
The Graves Great Growth classification, a tradition of excellence
Just south of the city of Bordeaux, the Graves region is the birthplace of Bordeaux wines. It takes its name from its famous gravel soils (tiny pebbles of clay and sand). These terroirs have been producing wines of great quality and prestige for thousands of years.
So why do we need a classification?
To celebrate this culture of excellence by singling out the region’s most remarkable wines. Only the best estates are entitled to use the title “Grand Cru Classé de Graves” (Graves Great Growth) on their labels, a siren call to wine lovers.
What makes it stand out from other
classification?
This classification is one of a kind, for several reasons:
All of the classified growths can be found in the small (but nonetheless illustrious) Pessac-Léognan appellation.
Estates can attain classified status for both their red and dry white wines.
Some estates are classified for whites only, some for reds only, and others are classified for both.
The list is not designed to be changed, unlike other classifications which are regularly updated.
Comprising just 14 rigorously selected châteaux, this is Bordeaux’s most exclusive classification.
Another distinctive characteristic: it contains the only winemaking estate in Bordeaux to be classified twice. That estate in question is Château Haut-Brion, which also features in the 1855 Classification.
See also: Bordeaux classification
Who is included in the list right now?
14 family-owned estates from the Pessac-Léognan appellation, with 5 classified for their red wines, 2 for their whites, and 7 for both reds and whites.
A bit of
history
The wines of this region have always been highly rated, not least by our neighbors across the English Channel, who first got a taste for Graves in the 13th century. That reputation has continued to grow through the centuries, but the classification did not come into play until the 20th century. If we had to sum up the story in 4 key dates, it would look something like this:
1953
Publication of the first list of Graves Great Growths
The INAO published the first official list, determined by the expert palates of a professional judging panel assembled especially for the occasion. Back then there were 16 classified growths in Graves.
1959
The one and only change
Not exactly a revolution, more of a minor adjustment to the existing classification.
1987
A new appellation is born
The Pessac-Léognan PDO was created in the 1980s, in the heart of the broader Graves appellation. This was no minor change: all of the Graves Great Growths now belonged to a brand-new appellation. So don’t be surprised when you come across a label that reads “appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé de Graves”.
2014
Mergers and acquisitions
Since two of the châteaux on the list (La Tour Haut-Brion and Laville Haut-Brion) have since been merged into Château La Mission Haut-Brion, the list now contains just 14 Graves Great Growths.
