Why were Pomerol and Saint-Émilion not included in the 1855 Classification?

Why weren't Pomerol and Saint-Émilion included in the 1855 Classification?

Hey, that's quite an interesting question! As someone who's enjoyed Bordeaux wines for years, let me explain it simply. I'll start from the beginning to avoid confusion.

Understanding the 1855 Classification

In 1855, France hosted the Paris World Exposition. Bordeaux wanted to showcase its finest wines, so the local trade association (wine brokers) classified châteaux based on reputation and historical prices. They created a hierarchy from First to Fifth Growths (Crus), primarily for red wines and sweet whites. This system remains hugely influential for Bordeaux wine prices and prestige today. However, it only covered specific parts of Bordeaux, not the entire region.

A Quick Look at Bordeaux's Map

Bordeaux is divided by the Gironde River into the "Left Bank" and "Right Bank":

Left Bank: Primarily the Médoc region, home to legendary red wines like Lafite and Margaux.
Right Bank: Includes Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, where different soils and grape varieties (especially Merlot) create softer, more approachable styles.

The 1855 Classification focused almost exclusively on Left Bank Médoc reds and Sauternes/Barsac sweet wines. Why? Because these were the most internationally renowned and expensive wines at the time. The brokers prioritized them for the classification—essentially a "commercial decision" to showcase Bordeaux's best at the Exposition.

Why Were Pomerol and Saint-Émilion Excluded?

Geography and Scope: The brokers defined the classification around the Médoc and Sauternes. Pomerol and Saint-Émilion on the Right Bank weren't considered part of the "core" zone. Pomerol was a tiny, obscure appellation in the mid-19th century, with many estates barely exporting. Saint-Émilion, though historic, lacked the Left Bank's global prestige.
Historical Timing: Pomerol hadn't yet gained prominence in 1855. Iconic estates like Pétrus were small operations; their fame only soared in the 20th century, especially post-WWII, thanks to influential advocates. Similarly, Saint-Émilion wasn't a trade focus then.
The Classification Wasn't Comprehensive: This system wasn't designed for all of Bordeaux. It reflected contemporary prices and broker opinions, with no intention to cover every region. Later, the Right Bank developed its own systems: Saint-Émilion established its classification in 1955 (updated every 10 years), while Pomerol remains unofficially ranked—relying entirely on quality and reputation.

Ultimately, this is a historical artifact—the 1855 Classification was a product of its era, favoring the Left Bank. If you're drinking Pomerol or Saint-Émilion wines today, don't worry—many rival or surpass Left Bank counterparts in price and quality! Try Pétrus or Ausone; they easily compete with First Growths. Feel free to ask more—I'm happy to share. 🍷