What are Bordeaux’s best-known appellations?

Bordeaux wines are renowned the world over for their exceptional quality.

It was the 1855 classification of Bordeaux crus that propelled them into the limelight. The Grands Crus Classés continue to enjoy unrivalled international renown, and are in great demand.

No other wine region in the world boasts as many influential appellations as Bordeaux.

Without further ado, here’s a quick reminder of Bordeaux’s best-known appellations!

Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion was the first vineyard to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Châteaux Cheval Blanc, Angelus and Canon are among Bordeaux’s finest growths, and have played a major role in the reputation of Saint Emilion wines.

Their exceptional quality was recognized in the 18th century when several Saint Emilion owners developed new viticultural methods to improve the quality of their wines. Extensive work and a selection of grape varieties were introduced. This quality meant that they could be transported by boat without the wine turning. Over the years, the expertise of Saint-Emilion’s winegrowers has grown from strength to strength.

Pauillac

Pauillac is known as the wine capital of the Médoc. As with Saint Emilion, it was the 1855 classification that forged the reputation of Pauillac wines, classifying Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild as Premiers Crus.

In all, AOC Pauillac boasts 18 crus classés, representing 85% of its wine production. Its poor soils, unsuitable for any crop other than vines, give rise to racy, powerful wines of exceptional quality.

Pessac Léognan

The Pessac-Léognan appellation is the historic heartland of the great terroirs of Graves and Bordeaux.

The Pessac-Léognan AOC was created in 1987, but the terroir is very old, and was already sought-after in the Middle Ages, with gravel, pebbles, sand and clay. The appellation groups together all the Graves Grand Cru Classés, including Château Haut Brion, a Grand Cru Classé from 1855.

Pessac-Léognan reds are highly sought-after: elegant, full-bodied and robust, they finish with notes of ripe red fruit and licorice.

Margaux

The Margaux appellation also enjoys international renown. This is one of the Médoc’s most extensive appellations. It boasts 21 crus classés, including the famous Château Margaux classified as a Premier Cru, as well as Châteaux Palmer and Rauzan-Segla, Durfort-Vivens, Lascombes, Giscours, Dauzac… and remarkable Crus Bourgeois.

It is often said that Margaux wines are the most “feminine” of the Médoc, with their delicacy and elegance. Margaux produces exceptional ageing wines, both light and powerful, coveted by the finest palates.

Pomerol

Located in the Libourne region, AOC Pomerol is one of the rarest and most prestigious appellations in the world. Small in size but big in reputation, the Pomerol appellation benefits greatly from the international renown of Château Pétrus, one of the most expensive wines in the world.

Sauternes

Sauternes is often considered the world’s finest sweet wine. Not to mention the fame of the legendary Château d’Yquem, Sauternes’ only Premier Cru Supérieur, and the many legends surrounding the vineyard.

What’s more, Sauternes wines require gargantuan production costs and care, as well as unparalleled expertise.

Saint-Estèphe

The Saint-Estèphe AOC boasts 5 crus classified in 1855, including Château Cos d’Estournel, Montrose and Calon-Ségur, as well as over 50 Crus Bourgeois and Crus Artisans. Producing superb red wines and benefiting from an ideal microclimate, the Saint-Estèphe appellation also benefits from a particularly rich winegrowing history and offers the greatest diversity of Médoc terroirs.

Discover the greatest Bordeaux wine estates.