Were there any unofficial rankings of Bordeaux châteaux prior to 1855?

Were there any unofficial rankings of Bordeaux châteaux before 1855?

Hey there! As a wine history enthusiast, especially when it comes to Bordeaux reds, I find your question really interesting. Let me break it down simply—step by step.

Some Background

As many know, the famous 1855 Bordeaux Classification (the official ranking for Médoc and Sauternes) was created by Emperor Napoleon III for the Paris World Expo. It was the first official ranking, primarily based on a château’s reputation and wine prices. But you’re asking about unofficial rankings before that? Yes, absolutely—and there were quite a few! These weren’t set by governments or official bodies but were instead compiled by merchants, collectors, or travelers based on personal experience, market prices, and word of mouth. Though not "official," they were hugely influential at the time, helping people choose quality wines.

Historical Examples

Let me share a few easy-to-understand examples. These rankings date back to the 18th century when Bordeaux wines began exporting to places like England and the Netherlands, prompting merchants to naturally start "rating" them:

18th-Century Merchant Lists: Around the 1700s, Bordeaux wine brokers (middlemen) would rank châteaux by price and quality. For instance, circa 1745, a man named Intendant Dupin created a list categorizing estates—with top-tier ones like Lafite and Margaux. Why? Because these wines commanded high prices, had consistent quality, and received glowing buyer feedback. Unofficial, yes, but merchants relied on it for business.
Thomas Jefferson’s Notes: This one’s fascinating! The American founding father Jefferson was a huge wine lover. During his 1787 visit to Bordeaux, he personally tasted and documented top châteaux. He listed four "First Growths": Lafite, Latour, Margaux, and Haut-Brion—all later crowned top-tier in the 1855 Classification (except Haut-Brion, from Graves, but equally prestigious). Jefferson’s ranking was purely personal, but his influence made it a widely referenced, classic example of an unofficial list.
Other Scattered Rankings: Going further back, late-17th-century English records already noted Bordeaux "classes," often based on sweetness or region. By the early 1800s, more books and guides emerged, like André Jullien’s Topographie de Tous les Vignobles Connus (1816), which ranked Bordeaux châteaux by price and fame. None were official, but they were invaluable for buyers.

Why Did These Unofficial Rankings Exist?

Simply put, Bordeaux’s wine market was booming, especially among British nobility (who called it "Claret"). Without official standards, people relied on reputation and price to judge quality. Higher prices typically signaled "top-tier" status, reflecting demand and craftsmanship. These lists helped merchants promote wines and buyers avoid pitfalls. Compared to the rigid 1855 system, earlier rankings were more flexible but also more subjective—someone’s regional preference might boost a local château’s standing.

How Did They Differ from the 1855 Classification?

The 1855 ranking was largely fixed (only revised once or twice, like Mouton Rothschild’s 1973 upgrade), while pre-1855 lists shifted with the market. They laid the groundwork—many 1855 top châteaux were already famous back then. Think of these early rankings as a "grassroots" classification system.

If you’d like details on a specific list or more château stories, just ask! Bordeaux’s wine history is incredibly rich, and these unofficial rankings are part of its charm. Pour yourself a glass and dive deeper! 😊