Saint-Emilion wineries were first officially ranked in 1955.
The most recent reclassification took place in 2022.
The top three tiers in the classification are:
1. Premier (1st) Grand Cru Classe A – currently, 2 wineries
2. Premier (1st) Grand Cru Classe B – currently, 12 wineries
3. Grand Cru Classe – currently, 71 wineries.
Only these 83 wineries in Saint Emilion are referred to as classified growth or Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe. The remaining 700 market their wines as Saint-Emilion Grand Cru or Saint Emilion AOC.
According to the rules of the French regulation body, INAO – The National Institute of Origin and Quality, wineries have to reapply for classification every ten years. Upon review, wineries can be promoted or demoted.
Classification of Saint Emilion Wineries 2022
These two chateaux are the top wineries in Saint Emilion according to the official classification of 2022.
Châteaux Cheval Blanc, Ausone and Angélus abdicated their Premier Grand Cru Classe titles.
The second tier, Premier (1st) Grand Cru Classe B, includes 14 Saint Emilion estates.
The third tier, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe, is where the competition is very fierce to enter.
You may also find interesting…
What Makes Pomerol Wines Special?
Where is Saint Emilion and How to Get There
10 Best Saint-Emilion Wineries to Visit
Pomerol Wineries Open for Wine Tours and Tastings
See more articles about Bordeaux winery visits in my Blog and find Bordeaux travel tips see my Bordeaux Destination Guide.
Enjoy your Bordeaux wine tour and the wines of Saint Emilion!
