These are the five chateaux that are rated first growth in the wine classification in the Medoc region on the left bank of Bordeaux in France.
The Médoc classification was created in conjunction with the Paris World's Fair in 1855. It is said that Emperor Napoleon III ordered its creation with the aim of spreading the appeal of Bordeaux wine to people around the world.
Of the nearly 1,000 chateaux that entered the competition, only 60 were selected as Grand Cru (now 61, with the addition of Chateau Haut-Brion in the 17th century), and from these Grand Crus, the wines were further divided into classes from First to Fifth Growth.
At the time, there were only four chateaux that were selected as first growths, but in 1973 Chateau Mouton Rothschild was promoted from second growth to first growth, and since then there are five chateaux that are first growths.
The "Five Great Chateaux" of the Médoc region of Bordeaux
| Chateau name | Features |
|---|---|
| Chateau Lafite Rothschild | With a long history and unwavering dignity, it is also known as the "top of the top." |
| Chateau Latour | A chateau owned by the owner of Gucci. A powerful and concentrated style. |
| Chateau Mouton Rothschild | It was promoted to first class in 1973. The "Art Label", which changes every year, has many collectors. |
| Chateau Margaux | It is also called "the most feminine wine" because of its elegant and soft taste. |
| Chateau Haut-Brion | A chateau in the Graves region, the first in Bordeaux to use stainless steel tanks and is proactive in adopting new technology. |
