What does 1er Grand Cru Classé A actually mean?
You have certainly noticed the designation 1er Grand Cru Classé A or Premier Grand Cru Classé A on the label of a bottle of red wine.
First of all, 1er Grand Cru Classé A refers to a quality level. In Bordeaux, there is a classification of wineries in Saint-Émilion. More precisely, it concerns wineries in the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. The classification took place in 1955.
In 1955, a classification was carried out for the Saint-Émilion wine-growing region based on the quality and price of the wines produced by the wineries. Three groups were created in a hierarchical manner. The special thing about this classification is that wineries must always reapply. A committee then decides on the classification.
The application and classification procedure for the classification takes place at irregular intervals. So far, the following classifications have taken place:
- 1955
- 1969
- 1986
- 1996
- 2006
- 2012
- 2022
The highest level that a winery can achieve is the Premier Grand Cru Classé A.
There are three quality levels:
- 1er Grand Cru Classé A
- 1er Grand Cru Classé B
- Grand Cru Classé
With each application, it happens that a winery maintains its position within the classification, moves up or even moves down. There are also wineries that have not applied for 2022. For example, Château Cheval Blanc left the 1er Grand Cru Classé A after decades. In contrast, Château Pavie was promoted from 1er Grand Cru Classé B to Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2012 and was able to retain this classification again in 2022.
Remember: a winery in the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation must always reapply. Therefore, the status of wine from Saint-Émilion can change.
Below you will find an overview of the wineries that held the status of Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the respective years:
Classification of 2022 - 1er Grand Cru Classé A:
- Château Figeac
- Château Pavie
Classification of 2012 - 1er Grand Cru Classé A:
- Château Pavie
- Château Angélus
- Château Ausone
- Château Cheval Blanc
Classification of 2006 - 1er Grand Cru Classé A:
- Château Ausone
- Château Cheval Blanc
Classification of 1996 - 1er Grand Cru Classé A:
- Château Ausone
- Château Cheval Blanc
Classification of 1986 - 1er Grand Cru Classé A:
- Château Ausone
- Château Cheval Blanc
Classification of 1969 - 1er Grand Cru Classé A:
- Château Ausone
- Château Cheval Blanc
Classification of 1955 - 1er Grand Cru Classé A:
- Château Ausone
- Château Cheval Blanc
By the way: The 1er Grand Cru Classé A from Saint-Émilion is not to be confused with the 1er Grand Cru Classé from the Médoc. Saint-Émilion is referred to as the right bank of the Gironde, the Médoc peninsula is on the left bank. In addition, the classification of wine from the Médoc took place 100 years earlier - in 1855.
For wine collectors, such exclusive wines from the 1er Grand Cru Classé A are ideal for collecting. The quality and storage capacity of these red wines are what sets them apart. This means that these wines can remain in the wine cellar for a longer period of time.
So collect 1er Grand Cru wine now!
