Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé: a complete guide to the classification

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé: a complete guide to Bordeaux's most evolving classification

Among the most prestigious wine appellations in the world, Saint-Émilion holds a unique place. Its Grand Cru Classé classification, unique in Bordeaux by virtue of its revisable nature every ten years, embodies a permanent demand for excellence. But what does the mention "Grand Cru Classé" on a Saint-Émilion label really mean? What is the difference from a simple Saint-Émilion Grand Cru? Which châteaux stand at the top of the hierarchy?  

Key takeaway: 

• The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé classification distinguishes an elite of châteaux selected according to strict criteria (quality, terroir, reputation), unlike the simple "Grand Cru" which is merely an appellation
• Unique to Bordeaux, this classification is revised every 10 years (latest edition in 2022), which drives estates to maintain the highest standards of excellence.
• The hierarchy comprises three levels: Grand Cru Classé, Premier Grand Cru Classé B and, at the summit, Premier Grand Cru Classé A.
• Merlot dominates the blends, bringing roundness and fruit, complemented by Cabernet Franc for freshness and finesse.
• The great vintages (2005, 2009, 2010, 2016…) offer a strong ageing potential (20 to 40 years) and genuine value for both enthusiasts and investors.

Saint-Émilion, jewel of Bordeaux's Right Bank

Nestled in the Libournais, some forty kilometres east of Bordeaux, the Saint-Émilion appellation, neighbouring Pomerol, is one of the oldest and most renowned in the world. Viticulture in the region dates back at least to the 4th century AD, a period during which the Latin poet Ausonius is associated with a wine estate whose exact location is still debated.

In 1199, John Lackland granted Saint-Émilion a communal charter conferring upon it the status of a free town, laying the foundations for local governance of viticulture. Today classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its viticultural cultural landscape, the medieval town of Saint-Émilion welcomes millions of visitors each year who come to admire its cobbled streets and caves carved into the limestone.

From a geological standpoint, the appellation extends across several soil types of remarkable diversity: the limestone plateau that overlooks the town, the clay-limestone slopes that surround it, and an ancient gravelly alluvial terrace to the north-west. This mosaic of terroirs gives Saint-Émilion wines exceptional aromatic complexity and ageing capacity.

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru vs Grand Cru Classé: no more confusion

This is the most frequent source of confusion among wine lovers. The mention "Grand Cru" alone simply designates the wines of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, which must comply with stricter specifications than a simple Saint-Émilion (yield limited to 40 hl/ha, minimum ageing of 12 months). It does not constitute a classification in any way.

The mention "Grand Cru Classé" is of an entirely different nature: it designates châteaux that have been selected and classified by the official INAO commission, based on demanding criteria including wine quality, reputation, terroir and viticultural practices. It represents an additional guarantee of quality and a recognition of collective excellence.

Key takeaway: all Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classés are Saint-Émilion Grand Crus, but the reverse is not true. The hierarchy runs from the simple appellation all the way to the absolute summit: the Premier Grand Cru Classé A.

History of the classification: from 1955 to 2022

Unlike the famous 1855 classification of the wines of the Médoc, frozen since its creation and never revised except for Mouton Rothschild in 1973, the Saint-Émilion classification is revisable every ten years. This fundamental characteristic makes it one of the most dynamic and demanding classification systems in all of Bordeaux.

Born in 1955 at the initiative of the Syndicat viticole des vins de Saint-Émilion, this classification has been revised seven times since then: in 1959, 1969, 1986, 1996, 2006, 2012 and 2022. Each edition has been able to elevate new châteaux, demote others, and sometimes give rise to resounding legal battles, notably during the controversial 2006 classification, which was ultimately annulled by the courts.

The 2022 classification: key figures

Published on 8 September 2022 by the INAO, the 2022 classification is valid for the harvests from 2022 to 2031. It mobilised 144 candidacy files and resulted in the consecration of 85 châteaux (2 Premiers Grands Crus Classés A, 12 Premiers Grands Crus Classés B and 71 Grands Crus Classés).

A notable highlight of this edition: Château Figeac was promoted to the supreme rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé A, joining Château Pavie at the top of the hierarchy. However, historic properties such as Château Ausone, Château Cheval Blanc, Château Angélus and Château La Gaffelière chose not to submit their candidacy, contesting the evaluation criteria.

The classification criteria: how are châteaux selected?

The classification process, overseen by the INAO, is based on four fundamental criteria. Their weighting varies according to the level of classification sought.

Tasting remains the central and essential criterion, accounting for 50% of the final score regardless of the level sought. To be eligible for Grand Cru Classé status, a château must achieve a minimum of 14 points out of 20; for Premier Grand Cru Classé A, the threshold rises to 16 points out of 20. Classified estates represent approximately 10% of the appellation's total production.

The terroirs that make Saint-Émilion great

The diversity of soils in the appellation is an essential asset that allows for the expression of wines with multiple profiles, ranging from mineral elegance to voluptuous power.

The limestone plateau and the slopes

This is where the greatest châteaux are concentrated. The limestone provides excellent natural drainage while ensuring active water supply through capillary action. The vines never suffer from excessive water stress, which produces wines of great consistency and beautiful aromatic freshness.

The gravelly terraces of the north-west

This ancient alluvial terrace, formed during the Quaternary period, features the same "Günzian" gravels found in the finest terroirs of the Médoc and the Left Bank. It is home to Château Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac, two exceptional estates whose tannic structure and aromatic complexity owe much to this distinctive geology.

The clays in the subsoil

The clay in the subsoil promotes water retention and slow, uniform ripening of the grapes. It is the origin of the appellation's most full-bodied and opulent wines, with a richness on the palate and a very characteristic velvety texture.

The grape varieties: Merlot, king of Saint-Émilion

The wines of Saint-Émilion are dominated by Merlot, which typically accounts for 60 to 80% of the blends. This late-ripening and generous grape variety gives the wines their velvety texture, their aromas of ripe red and black fruits (cherry, plum, blackberry), their roundness on the palate and their relative accessibility in youth.

Cabernet Franc (locally known as "Bouchet") accounts for approximately one third of the plantings. It brings fine tannins, beautiful freshness, a floral touch and characteristic spicy notes. Châteaux that blend it in significant proportions (such as Cheval Blanc, renowned for its blends with a strong Cabernet Franc dominance) produce wines of unparalleled elegance and finesse.

Cabernet Sauvignon is more marginally represented, but contributes to the structural complexity and longevity of certain crus.

The great vintages to know

The quality of a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé is closely linked to the vintage. Here are the exceptional years to seek out as a priority:

• 2000: a legendary vintage, concentrated and full-bodied wines, still evolving beautifully

• 2005: a great Bordeaux classic, perfect balance between richness and freshness, exceptional ageing potential

• 2009: a sun-drenched vintage, opulent and generous wines, silky tannins, already very approachable

• 2010: considered by many as the vintage of the century, combining concentration and freshness

• 2015: exemplary elegance and fruitiness, a very versatile vintage

• 2016: outstanding consistency across the entire appellation, refined and distinguished wines

• 2018: controlled power, aromatic richness, assured ageing

Why invest in a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé?

A safe investment in the world of great wines

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classés benefit from international recognition that supports their long-term value. Unlike simple Saint-Émilion Grand Crus, they are closely followed by collectors, négociants and specialist wine merchants.

A remarkable ageing potential

Built for ageing, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé wines develop increasing aromatic complexity over the years: notes of fresh fruit gradually give way to leather, undergrowth, spices and tertiary aromas that are the hallmark of great old bottles. Some crus can be cellared and improved over 20 to 40 years under good storage conditions.

The argument of the revisable classification

Whereas the 1855 Médoc classification is perceived as set in stone, that of Saint-Émilion evolves every ten years. This dynamism encourages châteaux to constantly maintain and raise their standards of excellence, an additional guarantee for the wine lover.