How did the total number of Grands Crus Classés change from 1855 to present (from 61 to 62)? (Hint: related to château division)
Why Did the Number of Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés Increase from 61 to 62?
Hey there! I really enjoy studying wine history, especially the old stories from Bordeaux. Your question is quite interesting—the famous 1855 classification originally listed 61 red wine Grands Crus Classés (mostly from Médoc, plus Haut-Brion from Graves), but it later became 62. This change is indeed related to a château split. Let me explain it simply, like we're chatting—nothing too academic.
First, Some Background
In 1855, France created a classification system for Bordeaux châteaux for the Paris World Expo, selecting the top estates based on wine quality and price. The red wine section included 61 estates, ranked from First to Fifth Growths. Back then, everything seemed fixed, and people assumed the list would remain unchanged.
How Did the Change Happen?
The key lies with Château Pichon-Longueville. During the 1855 classification, this estate was a single property rated as a Second Growth (a very high rank). But soon after, around the mid-to-late 19th century, due to inheritance issues within the family, the estate was split into two independent châteaux:
- Château Pichon-Longueville Baron
- Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (also known as Pichon Comtesse)
After the split, both new châteaux operated independently, producing their own wines. Most notably, both inherited the original Second Growth status! Essentially, one position on the list became two separate Grands Crus Classés, with their ranks unchanged.
The Outcome?
Just like that, the original 61 became 62. This wasn’t an official revision of the classification; rather, both châteaux were universally recognized as legitimate Grands Crus Classés after the split. Bordeaux traditions hold strong, so this change became permanent. Other châteaux had splits too (like Léoville dividing into three estates earlier), but those occurred before the 1855 classification, so they didn’t affect the total count.
Why Does This Matter?
For us everyday wine drinkers, it shows Bordeaux’s classification isn’t set in stone—historical events can cause subtle shifts. If you’re buying wine and see Pichon Baron or Pichon Comtesse, know they share "twin" origins. Both offer great quality but differ in style (Baron is more powerful; Comtesse more elegant).
I’ve tried Comtesse a few times—it’s good value! If you have other Bordeaux questions, just ask. I’m no expert, but I’ve dug through plenty of old books and wine lists. Cheers! 🍷