To What Extent Does the 1855 Classification Define the Style Standard of 'Great Bordeaux Wines'?

Hey, About the 1855 Classification and the Style of "Great Bordeaux Wines"

Hi there! This is an interesting question. As someone who’s enjoyed Bordeaux wines for years and loves studying classification systems, let’s dive into how much the 1855 Classification actually defines the style standard for "great Bordeaux wines." I’ll keep it straightforward—no jargon overload.

A Quick Primer on the 1855 Classification

In 1855, during the Paris World Expo, Bordeaux’s top wines were showcased by ranking châteaux based on reputation, historical prices, and quality. Red wines from Médoc and sweet whites from Sauternes were divided into five tiers: from First Growths (the pinnacle, like Lafite and Margaux) down to Fifth Growths. A total of 61 red wine estates and 27 sweet wine estates made the list. This system remains largely unchanged today, with only one adjustment (Mouton Rothschild’s promotion to First Growth in 1973).

It’s essentially a "ranking" based on mid-19th-century prestige, not a strict quality standard. Yet it’s iconic—when people think of top Bordeaux wines, these classified growths instantly come to mind.

To What Extent Does It Define the Style of "Great Bordeaux Wine"?

From my experience, it defines it significantly, but not absolutely. Here’s why:

• Significant Influence:

  • Style Benchmark: These wines represent the gold standard for Bordeaux’s "classic style." For example, Médoc reds are typically Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends—elegant, with firm tannins, notes of blackcurrant and cedar, and decades of aging potential. This profile is widely seen as the template for "great Bordeaux." Open a bottle of Lafite or Haut-Brion, and you’ll taste that balance, complexity, and longevity that critics and collectors use to judge others.
  • Massive Impact: The classification turned these estates into "superstars," shaping global perceptions of Bordeaux. If you’re new to Bordeaux and ask about top-tier reds, you’ll likely be pointed to First Growths. This indirectly defines the style—people expect "greatness" to mean age-worthy, elegant, and restrained wines, not fruit-bomb or New World styles.
  • Market & Reputation: Their sky-high prices (often tens of thousands per bottle at auctions) cement their "great" image. Many châteaux stick to traditional methods to maintain status, reinforcing stylistic consistency.

• But Not Definitive:

  • Limitations: The classification only covers Médoc and Sauternes, omitting other legendary regions. Right Bank areas like Pomerol (e.g., Petrus) and St-Émilion (e.g., Cheval Blanc) produce stunning wines with Merlot-driven softness and fruitiness—yet they’re excluded. Relying solely on 1855 misses Bordeaux’s diversity.
  • Evolving Times: The ranking reflects 160-year-old standards. Climate change and modern winemaking have led to tweaks: some classified estates now use organic methods, yielding fruitier, less "old-school" wines. Greatness isn’t set in stone.
  • Subjectivity: "Greatness" is personal. Some prefer the bold, modern styles of "Super Bordeaux" or "garage wines," which often fall outside the classification. The 1855 is more a historical artifact than a rigid style rulebook.

My Humble Advice

If you’re new to Bordeaux, start with Fifth or Second Growths (e.g., Ducru-Beaucaillou or Pichon Baron)—they’re affordable and showcase the classic style. Then try Right Bank wines. You’ll quickly see that "greatness" isn’t just about classification; it’s about balance, aging potential, and personal taste.

In short, the 1855 Classification is like an elder sibling—it heavily shapes the framework for great Bordeaux, but it doesn’t monopolize it. As you explore, you’ll form your own views! Feel free to ask more. 🍷