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Which are the Top Wineries in Saint Emilion, France (List)
Saint Emilion wineries were first officially ranked in 1955.
The top three tiers in the classification are:
1. Premier (1st) Grand Cru Classe A – currently, 4 wineries
2. Premier (1st) Grand Cru Classe B – currently, 14 wineries
3. Grand Cru Classe – currently, 63 wineries.
Only these 81 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 the French regulation body, INAO – The National Institute of Origin and Quality, wineries have to reapply for classification every ten years. Upon the review, wineries can be promoted or demoted.
The next reclassification of Saint Emilion wines is expected in 2022.
It was interesting to find out that it is not only the wine that is being tasted as part of the classification process. There are many other criteria, such as facilities, parking, etc. that go into the final score.
If you are looking to visit a winery, check out my Bordeaux wineries catalogue and my article on Top 10 Wineries to Visit in Saint Emilion or contact me – I organize private Bordeaux wine country tours and will be happy to help you out.
Please note that not all wineries in Saint Emilion area are open to the public.
Classification of Saint Emilion Wineries 2012
These four chateaux are the top wineries in Saint Emilion according to the official classification.
Chateau Angelus and Chateau Pavie were added to the “A” Group in 2012.
Premier Grand Cru Classé 'A' |
|---|
| Château Angélus |
| Château Ausone |
| Château Cheval Blanc |
The second tier, Premier (1st) Grand Cru Classe B, includes 14 Saint Emilion estates.
Premier Grand Cru Classé 'B' |
|---|
| Château Beauséjour (Duffau-Lagarrosse) |
| Château Bélair-Monange |
| Château Canon |
| Château Canon-la-Gaffelière |
| Château Larcis Ducasse |
| Château Pavie-Macquin |
| Château Trotte Vieille |
| Château Valandraud |
| Clos Fourtet |
| La Mondotte |
The third tier, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe, is where the competition is very fierce to enter.
| Grand Cru Classé |
|---|
| Château Balestard la Tonnelle |
| Château Barde-Haut |
| Château Bellevue |
| Château Berliquet |
| Château Cadet Bon |
| Château Cap de Mourlin |
| Château Chauvin |
| Château Clos de Sarpe |
| Château Corbin |
| Château Côte de Baleau |
| Château Dassault |
| Château Destieux |
| Château Faugères |
| Château Faurie de Souchard |
| Château Fleur-Cardinale |
| Château Fombrauge |
| Château Fonplégade |
| Château Fonroque |
| Château Grand Corbin |
| Château Grand Corbin-Despagne |
| Château Grand Mayne |
| Château Grand Pontet |
| Château Guadet |
| Château Haut Sarpe |
| Château Jean Faure |
| Château l'Arrosée |
| Château la Clotte |
| Château la Commanderie |
| Château la Couspaude |
| Château La Fleur Morange |
| Château la Madelaine |
| Château La Marzelle |
| Château La Serre |
| Château La Tour Figeac |
| Château Laniote |
| Château Larmande |
| Château Laroque |
| Château Laroze |
| Château Le Prieuré |
| Château les Grandes Murailles |
| Château Monbousquet |
| Château Moulin du Cadet |
| Château Pavie-Decesse |
| Château Peby Faugères |
| Château Petit Faurie de Soutard |
| Château Quinault l'Enclos |
| Château Ripeau |
| Château Rochebelle |
| Château Saint Georges (Côte Pavie) |
| Château Sansonnet |
| Château Tertre Daugay |
| Château Yon Figeac |
| Clos de l'Oratoire |
| Clos des Jacobins |
| Clos Saint-Martin |
| Couvent des Jacobins |
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!
Hi, my name is Polina. I am a sommelier and a wine tour guide in Bordeaux, France.
I organize private Bordeaux wine tours.
