Bordeaux classifications: 1855 and Saint-Émilion A / B, the differences
Premier cru, Premier Grand Cru Classé A or B, Grand Cru Classé: compare the systems without mixing up the terms.
Edited by EMA
Checked on: · Source : JAPANITIES / CIVB and classification bodies
Two distinct systems
The 1855 classification and that of Saint-Émilion differ in scope, categories and revision. Premier cru and category A are not two ranks of the same scale.
Comparison table
The table compares the reds of the 1855 classification with the 2022 edition for Saint-Émilion. It does not rank all Bordeaux wines.
| Criterion | Reds of the 1855 classification | Saint-Émilion, 2022 edition |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Mainly the Médoc, with Haut-Brion | Classified properties of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru |
| Categories | First to fifth growth | Premier Grand Cru Classé A, other Premiers Grands Crus Classés, Grands Crus Classés |
| Top | 5 first growths | 2 properties in A |
| Revision | No periodic revision; Mouton promoted in 1973 | Revised roughly every ten years |
| Edition shown | Red wines; a category separate from the sweet wines | 85 properties in the 2022 edition |
The first-growth reds of 1855
The five names are Lafite, Latour, Margaux, Mouton and Haut-Brion. The last is located outside the Médoc. Find their locations in the guide with a map.
A, B and Grand Cru Classé
The 2022 edition has 85 properties: 14 Premiers Grands Crus Classés, including Figeac and Pavie in A, and 71 Grands Crus Classés. The other 12 first growths are commonly called B; official documents may name them without that letter.
Grand Cru is not Grand Cru Classé
In Saint-Émilion, Grand Cru is part of an appellation name. Classé signals a classification. The words Grand Cru alone therefore do not identify a classified property: read the full designation.
A pointer, not the only criterion
The classification helps place a property. Your tastes, the dish, the price, the vintage and the storage remain other criteria. A lack of classification does not automatically mean lower quality.
Sources and checks
Checked on 16 October 2026. Saint-Émilion: 2022 edition. Always check the name of the system and the year of publication.