Premier Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc80 haFounded 1572Mentzelopoulos familyWinemaker Philippe BascaulesMargaux AOC
Premier Cru Classe Bordeaux at Margaux AOC, estate founded 1572, now owned by the Mentzelopoulos family. Cabernet-dominant blends with 18 to 24 months in new oak barrel ageing.
Tasting: By appointment only, Monday to Friday; closed weekends, August, public holidays and harvest. Tasting for professionals only.
Signature wines: chateau-margaux-grand-vin, pavillon-rouge-du-chateau-margaux, pavillon-blanc-du-chateau-margaux
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2016), Wine Advocate 100 (2015)
Premier Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot112 haFounded 1234Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite); Saskia de Rothschild, chairWinemaker Eric KohlerECOCERTPauillac AOC
First-growth Pauillac estate with 112 hectares of Cabernet-dominant vines. Owned by the Rothschild family; fully organic since 2024 with Saskia de Rothschild at the helm.
Tasting: Currently closed for renovations until 2026. Alternative visits at Chateau Duhart-Milon.
Signature wines: lafite-rothschild, carruades-de-lafite
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2003), Wine Spectator 100 (1996)
Premier Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot78 haFounded 1331Groupe Artemis (Francois Pinault)Winemaker Helene GeninPauillac AOC
First-growth Pauillac estate with 78 hectares at the southeastern tip of Pauillac commune. Owned by Groupe Artemis since 1993; withdrew from en primeur system in 2012.
Tasting: By appointment only for professionals; visiting restricted.
Signature wines: latour-grand-vin, les-forts-de-latour, pauillac-de-latour
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2010), Wine Advocate 100 (2003)
Premier Cru Classe (1855 classification; elevated from 2nd growth in 1973)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot83 haFounded 1853Rothschild family (Camille, Philippe, and Julien Sereys de Rothschild)Winemaker Jean-Emmanuel DanjoyPauillac AOC
Pauillac first-growth elevated from second in 1973, famous for its artist-label series. 83 hectares planted 81% Cabernet Sauvignon; Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy is technical director since 2020.
Tasting: Visits by appointment; museum of wine in art open to visitors.
Signature wines: mouton-rothschild, le-petit-mouton, aile-dargent
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1982), Wine Advocate 98 (2016)
Premier Cru Classe (1855 classification); Cru Classe de GravesCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc51 haFounded 1521Domaine Clarence DillonWinemaker Jean-Philippe DelmasPessac-Léognan AOC
The only non-Medoc first-growth in the 1855 classification, estate since 1521 in Pessac. Merlot-driven blends from iron-rich gravelly soils; Domaine Clarence Dillon owner.
Tasting: Visits by appointment only for professionals.
Signature wines: chateau-haut-brion-rouge, haut-brion-blanc, le-clarence-de-haut-brion
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2009), Wine Advocate 100 (1989)
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru (withdrew from Premier Grand Cru Classe A classification as of 2022)Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon39 haFounded 1832Bernard Arnault (LVMH) and Albert Frère familyWinemaker Pierre Lurton (estate manager)Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Iconic Saint-Emilion estate on 39 hectares with an unusual 52% Cabernet Franc dominant blend. Withdrew from the Saint-Emilion classification in 2022; co-owned by LVMH.
Tasting: Visits by appointment; contact through official site.
Signature wines: chateau-cheval-blanc, le-petit-cheval, le-petit-cheval-blanc
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1990), Wine Spectator 100 (1947)
Pomerol AOC (unclassified; Pomerol has no official classification)Merlot11.4 haFounded 1878Jean-Francois Moueix and familyWinemaker Olivier BerrouetPomerol AOC
The world's most prestigious Pomerol, just 11.4 hectares of 100% Merlot on blue clay. Production of 30,000 bottles per year; Olivier Berrouet winemaker since 2008.
Tasting: Not open to the public. No visits or tastings accepted.
Signature wines: petrus-pomerol
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), Wine Advocate 100 (1998)
Pomerol AOCMerlot2.7 haFounded 1979Jacques Thienpont and familyWinemaker Diana Garcia BerrouetPomerol AOC
Ultra-micro Pomerol estate of just 2.7 hectares producing 400 to 600 cases of 100% Merlot per year. One of the most expensive wines in Bordeaux; first vintage 1979.
Tasting: Not open to the public.
Signature wines: le-pin-pomerol
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), Decanter 100 (1982)
Pomerol AOCMerlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon14 haFounded 1924Thienpont family (Alexandre and Guillaume Thienpont)Winemaker Guillaume ThienpontPomerol AOC
Pomerol's counterpart to Petrus, owned by the Thienpont family since 1924. 14-hectare contiguous plot planted 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc; 100th anniversary celebrated in 2024.
Tasting: Visits by appointment.
Signature wines: vieux-chateau-certan, gravette-de-certan
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2015), Vinous 98 (2018)
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru (withdrew from Premier Grand Cru Classe A classification as of 2022)Cabernet Franc, Merlot7 haFounded 1853Vauthier family (Alain and Pauline Vauthier)Winemaker Pauline VauthierSaint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Historic Saint-Emilion estate of 7 hectares planted 55% Cabernet Franc on limestone plateau; family-owned Vauthier; ultra-limited annual production of around 1,500 cases.
Tasting: By appointment only.
Signature wines: chateau-ausone, chapelle-dausone
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), Wine Advocate 100 (2015)
Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon91 haFounded 1810Michel ReybierWinemaker Michel Reybier (owner-managed since 2017)ECOCERTSaint-Estephe AOC
Saint-Estephe second growth with 91 hectares, famous for pagoda-adorned winery. Fully organic since 2024; Michel Reybier owner; produces red, second wine, and a white Sauvignon-Semillon blend.
Tasting: Visits and tastings available through La Maison d'Estournel hotel.
Signature wines: cos-destournel-rouge, les-pagodes-de-cos, cos-destournel-blanc
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2003), James Suckling 100 (2016)
Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot75 haFounded 1720Bruno BorieWinemaker Bruno Borie (with consultants Eric and Jacques Boissenot)Saint-Julien AOC
Saint-Julien second growth with 75 hectares on the Gironde riverside. Bruno Borie owner and manager; 70% Cabernet Sauvignon blend with 18 months in oak barrels.
Tasting: By appointment only.
Signature wines: ducru-beaucaillou, la-croix-ducru-beaucaillou
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2010), James Suckling 100 (2016)
Cinquieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot90 haFounded 1939Cazes family (Jean-Charles Cazes)Winemaker Jean-Charles CazesPauillac AOC
Pauillac fifth growth that consistently overdelivers, with 90 hectares planted 67% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cazes-family owned since 1939; 18 months in 75% new oak barrels.
Tasting: Visits, tastings and accommodation at Chateau Cordeillan-Bages; village dining at Cafe Lavinal in Bages.
Signature wines: lynch-bages, echo-de-lynch-bages
Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2010), Wine Advocate 97 (2016)
Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot73 haFounded 1694AXA MillesimesWinemaker Alexandra LebosséPauillac AOC
Pauillac second growth of 73 hectares owned by AXA Millesimes. Alexandra Lebossé winemaker since 2017; produces grand vin, Les Griffons second wine, and a white from 2022.
Tasting: Visits available; contact chateau for details.
Signature wines: pichon-baron, les-griffons-de-pichon-baron
Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2016)
Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot89 haFounded 1694Louis Roederer ChampagneWinemaker Nicolas Glumineau (CEO and winemaker since 2012)Pauillac AOC
Pauillac second growth adjacent to Chateau Latour. 89 hectares with unusually high 32% Merlot for Left Bank; Louis Roederer Champagne owner since 2006.
Tasting: Visits available by appointment.
Signature wines: pichon-lalande, reserve-de-la-comtesse
Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2019), Decanter 97 (2020)
Cinquieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot81 haFounded 1975Alfred TesseronWinemaker Mathieu BessonnetDemeter CertifiedECOCERTPauillac AOC
Pauillac fifth growth leading Bordeaux biodynamics; 81 hectares certified Demeter since 2014 and Biodyvin since 2010. Tesseron family owners; Mathieu Bessonnet technical director since 2020.
Tasting: Visits and tastings available by appointment.
Signature wines: pontet-canet
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2010), Wine Advocate 100 (2012)
Troisieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot66 haFounded 1814Sichel and Mahler-Besse familiesWinemaker Thomas DurouxDemeter CertifiedECOCERTMargaux AOC
Margaux third growth frequently outperforming its classification; 66 hectares certified 100% biodynamic since 2017. Thomas Duroux managing director since 2004.
Tasting: Visits by appointment.
Signature wines: chateau-palmer, alter-ego-de-palmer
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2009), Wine Advocate 100 (1961)
Cru Classe de GravesCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc23 haFounded 1682Domaine Clarence DillonWinemaker Jean-Philippe DelmasPessac-Léognan AOC
Graves Cru Classe adjacent to Haut-Brion in Talence, sharing the same Domaine Clarence Dillon ownership. 23 hectares producing powerful, structured Cabernet-Merlot blends.
Tasting: Visits by appointment only.
Signature wines: la-mission-haut-brion-rouge, la-mission-haut-brion-blanc, la-chapelle-de-la-mission
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2009), Wine Advocate 100 (1989)
Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc48 haFounded 1826Barton family (Lilian and Melanie Barton)Winemaker Melanie BartonSaint-Julien AOC
Saint-Julien second growth family-owned without interruption since 1826. 48 hectares planted predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon; known for exceptional value among classed growths.
Tasting: By appointment for professionals and private visits.
Signature wines: leoville-barton, la-reserve-de-leoville-barton
Scores: Wine Advocate 99 (2016), James Suckling 99 (2018)
Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot97 haFounded 1826Delon familyWinemaker Dominique DepondSaint-Julien AOC
Saint-Julien second growth known as the 'super second' of the appellation. 97 hectares with the famous walled Grand Clos enclos; Delon family ownership.
Tasting: By appointment for professionals.
Signature wines: grand-vin-de-leoville-du-marquis-de-las-cases, clos-du-marquis, le-petit-lion-du-marquis-de-las-cases
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2010), Wine Spectator 99 (2016)
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru (withdrew from Premier Grand Cru Classe A in 2022)Merlot, Cabernet Franc27 haFounded 1782Bouard de Laforest family (Stephanie de Bouard-Rivoal)Winemaker Stephanie de Bouard-RivoalBiodynamic PracticingECOCERTSaint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Iconic Saint-Emilion estate known for its bell-tower icon. 27 hectares of Merlot-Cabernet Franc; organic certified; withdrew from 2022 classification; Stephanie de Bouard-Rivoal leads.
Tasting: Visits available by appointment.
Signature wines: chateau-angelus, le-carillon-de-langelus
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2012), James Suckling 100 (2016)
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A (2022 classification)Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon37 haFounded 1998Gerard and Chantal PerseWinemaker Nicolas LabenneSaint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A, 37 hectares on the famous Pavie hill. Gerard Perse owner; Hotel de Pavie on-site features chef Yannick Alleno Michelin-starred restaurant.
Tasting: Hotel de Pavie on-site with two Michelin-starred restaurant.
Signature wines: chateau-pavie, aromes-de-pavie
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (2000), James Suckling 100 (2015)
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B (2022 classification)Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon33 haFounded 1820SCOR (French reinsurance group; acquired July 2017)Winemaker Aymeric de Gironde (estate director since 2018)ECOCERTSaint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B on the highest hill of the appellation. 33 hectares, organic certified; The Keys boutique hotel with Michelin restaurant Les Belles Perdrix on-site.
Tasting: The Keys hotel with Michelin-starred restaurant Les Belles Perdrix on-site.
Signature wines: chateau-troplong-mondot, mondot
Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2015), James Suckling 99 (2016)
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B (2022 classification)Merlot, Cabernet Franc22 haFounded 1760Chanel SAS (Wertheimer family)Winemaker Nicolas AudebertECOCERTSaint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B owned by Chanel SAS since 1996. 22 hectares with limestone plateau parcels; organic certified; Nicolas Audebert director.
Tasting: By appointment only.
Signature wines: chateau-canon, croix-canon
Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2016), James Suckling 98 (2019)
Cru Classe de Graves (1953 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc32 haFounded 1300Bernard MagrezWinemaker Frederic BonnetPessac-Léognan AOC
Pessac-Leognan Cru Classe de Graves with origins traced to 1300. 32 hectares; Bernard Magrez owner; truffle-enhanced restaurant and botanical gardens featuring a 1,000-year-old olive tree.
Tasting: Hotel and restaurant on-site; visits and tastings available.
Signature wines: pape-clement-rouge, pape-clement-blanc
Scores: Wine Advocate 96 (2016), James Suckling 97 (2018)
Cru Classe de Graves (1953 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sauvignon Gris67 haFounded 1365Daniel and Florence CathiardWinemaker Fabien TeitgenECOCERTPessac-Léognan AOC
Pessac-Leognan Cru Classe de Graves owned by the Cathiards since 1990. 67 hectares including white wine production; Les Sources de Caudalie luxury spa resort on-site.
Tasting: Les Sources de Caudalie hotel with Vinothérapie Spa and Michelin-starred restaurant; open to hotel guests and visitors.
Signature wines: smith-haut-lafitte-rouge, smith-haut-lafitte-blanc
Scores: Wine Advocate 97 (2018), James Suckling 98 (2019)
Cru Bourgeois ExceptionnelCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot51 haFounded 1666Credit Agricole Assurances (Predica)Winemaker Sylvain BoivertSaint-Estephe AOC
Saint-Estephe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel with 51 hectares and a former Celestine priory. Reliable, full-bodied Cabernet-dominant style representing excellent appellation value.
Tasting: Visits by appointment.
Signature wines: chateau-meyney, prieur-de-meyney
Scores: Wine Advocate 92 (2016), Decanter 93 (2018)
Pomerol AOCMerlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc9 haFounded 1892Ronan LabordeWinemaker Ronan LabordePomerol AOC
Pomerol estate of 9 hectares dominated by old-vine Merlot. Ronan Laborde family-owned; 1998 vintage scored 100 points from Wine Advocate; old-vine character a distinguishing feature.
Tasting: By appointment only.
Signature wines: clinet
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1998), Wine Advocate 98 (2000)
Pomerol AOCMerlot, Cabernet Franc4.5 haFounded 1872Guinaudeau family (Baptiste and Julie Guinaudeau)Winemaker Baptiste GuinaudeauBiodynamic PracticingECOCERTPomerol AOC
Tiny 4.5-hectare Pomerol estate considered peer to Petrus. Unusual equal split of Merlot and Cabernet Franc; Guinaudeau family owners; biodynamic farming since 2014.
Tasting: By appointment only.
Signature wines: lafleur-pomerol, pensees-de-lafleur
Scores: Wine Advocate 100 (1947), Wine Advocate 99 (2015)
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B (2022 classification)Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon16.5 haFounded 1969Becot family (Juliette and Sebastien Becot)Winemaker Juliette BecotECOCERTSaint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B on 16.5 hectares including ancient underground cellars carved from limestone. Becot family-managed; organic certified.
Tasting: Visits and tastings available; contact chateau.
Signature wines: chateau-beausejour-becot, petit-becot
Scores: Wine Advocate 98 (2015), Decanter 96 (2018)
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A (2022 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot40 haFounded 1892Manoncourt family (Eric and Marie-France d'Aramon)Winemaker Frederic FayeECOCERTSaint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A elevated in 2022 reclassification. Unusual for Right Bank with an equal-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blend on 40 hectares of gravelly soils.
Tasting: Visits by appointment.
Signature wines: chateau-figeac, petit-figeac
Scores: Wine Advocate 99 (2022), Decanter 97 (2020)
Cru Bourgeois (Haut-Medoc AOC)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot170 haFounded 1730Allianz Real EstateWinemaker Bastien LagraveHaut-Médoc AOC
The largest Cru Bourgeois in the Medoc at 170 hectares. Reliable Cabernet-Merlot blends from Haut-Medoc with good fruit and structure at accessible price points.
Tasting: Cellar door open Monday to Friday with tastings.
Signature wines: chateau-larose-trintaudon, les-hauts-de-trintaudon
Scores: Decanter 90 (2019), Wine Spectator 89 (2018)
Cinquieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot65 haFounded 1964Merlaut family (Olivier Merlaut)Winemaker Olivier MerlautHaut-Médoc AOC
Haut-Medoc fifth growth of 65 hectares, offering classed-growth quality at accessible prices. Merlaut family management bringing consistent improvement since 2005.
Tasting: Visits by appointment.
Signature wines: chateau-de-camensac, la-closerie-de-camensac
Scores: Wine Advocate 92 (2019), Decanter 91 (2018)
Bordeaux AOC and Entre-Deux-Mers AOCSemillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot40 haFounded 1999Gavin and Angela QuinneyWinemaker Gavin QuinneyEntre-Deux-Mers AOC
English-owned Entre-Deux-Mers estate known for crisp whites and reliable Bordeaux reds. 40 hectares; farmhouse accommodation; award-winning wines at accessible price points.
Tasting: Farmhouse accommodation; vineyard visits; winery tours by arrangement.
Signature wines: bauduc-bordeaux-superieur, bauduc-les-trois-hectares-rouge, bauduc-les-trois-hectares-blanc, bauduc-sauvignon-blanc
Scores: Decanter 91 (2020), Wine Spectator 89 (2021)
Fronsac AOCMerlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon60 haFounded 1530Xavier BuffoWinemaker Xavier BuffoFronsac AOC
Fronsac's flagship estate with 60 hectares and a spectacular 16th-century underground cave network. Known for structured, Merlot-dominant wines with Right Bank elegance.
Tasting: Visits, wine-and-cheese tastings, and cave-tour experiences available.
Signature wines: riviere-fronsac
Scores: Decanter 93 (2018), Wine Advocate 92 (2019)
Cotes de Bourg AOCMerlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec10 haFounded 1988Francois MitjavileWinemaker Francois MitjavileCotes de Bourg AOC
Cotes de Bourg cult wine from Francois Mitjavile, creator of Le Tertre-Roteboeuf. 10 hectares on limestone slopes; Merlot-led blends with remarkable concentration and minerality.
Tasting: By appointment only.
Signature wines: roc-de-cambes
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2005), Decanter 95 (2018)
Canon-Fronsac AOCMerlot, Cabernet Franc7 haFounded 1988Gregoire and Chantal HubauWinemaker Gregoire HubauECOCERTCanon-Fronsac AOC
Canon-Fronsac producer representing the best of this underrated Right Bank appellation. 7 hectares of organic Merlot-Cabernet Franc on clay-limestone soils.
Tasting: Visits and tastings available by appointment.
Signature wines: moulin-pey-labrie
Scores: Wine Advocate 92 (2019), Decanter 91 (2018)
Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel (Moulis-en-Medoc AOC)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot100 haFounded 1863Celine Villars-FoubetWinemaker Jean-Pierre FoubetMoulis-en-Médoc AOC
Moulis-en-Medoc Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel with 100 hectares. Named for Baudelaire's 'chase away the blues'; Cabernet-dominant with excellent value-to-quality ratio.
Tasting: Visits and tastings available.
Signature wines: chateau-chasse-spleen, l-heritage-de-chasse-spleen
Scores: Wine Advocate 93 (2016), Decanter 93 (2019)
Cru Bourgeois (Haut-Medoc AOC)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc85 haFounded 1969Gautreau familyWinemaker Jean GautreauHaut-Médoc AOC
Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois that many consider above its classification. 85 hectares of Cabernet-dominant vines; Jean Gautreau's uncompromising quality standard since 1969.
Tasting: Cellar visits available by appointment.
Signature wines: chateau-sociando-mallet, la-demoiselle-de-sociando-mallet
Scores: Wine Advocate 95 (2016), Decanter 94 (2018)
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon, Sauvignon BlancWalk-ins welcomeBordeaux city centre
CIVB-affiliated Bordeaux Wine School city tasting bar next to the tourist office. Guided flights through appellations with bilingual sommeliers; retail purchasing available.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon, Sauvignon BlancWalk-ins welcomeBordeaux city centre
Bordeaux's iconic spiral-staircase wine tower with 15,000 references. Daily by-the-glass tastings span Medoc, Pessac-Leognan, Sauternes; vertical flights from EUR 35.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, MuscadelleWalk-ins welcomeBacalan, Bordeaux
The 8th-floor Belvedere tasting bar at the Cite du Vin offers 360-degree Garonne panorama with rotating global wine flights, including a strong Bordeaux selections by the glass.
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonWalk-ins welcomeSaint-Emilion
The official Maison du Vin of the Saint-Emilion wine union offers structured flights of Grand Cru and Premier Grand Cru Classe wines, with bilingual staff and vineyard map resources.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit VerdotWalk-ins welcomePauillac
The Pauillac wine union tasting room on the Gironde quayside. Covers the appellation's full range from fifth-growth value to premier cru flights with printed tasting notes.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit VerdotAppointment onlyPauillac AOC
The world-renowned Museum of Wine in Art and the estate tasting room at Mouton Rothschild. Visits include the underground chai, label gallery, and tasting of current releases.
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonWalk-ins welcomeFronsac AOC
Tours of Fronsac's most spectacular 16th-century underground limestone cave network at Chateau de la Riviere, followed by Fronsac AOC flights including reserve selections.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, SemillonWalk-ins welcomePessac
Neighbourhood wine shop and tasting bar in Pessac specialising in Pessac-Leognan Crus Classes at cellar-door prices. Regular Saturday producer tastings and bottle retail.
Cru Bourgeois (Haut-Medoc AOC; declined Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet FrancEUR 25-45 grand vinHaut-Medoc AOC
Why locals love it: Deliberately refused to enter the Cru Bourgeois classification; beloved by trade professionals as the Medoc's most underrated unclassified estate. Jean Gautreau's 85-hectare property consistently outperforms many 4th and 5th growths in blind tastings, yet remains little-known to mainstream consumers.
Cotes de Bourg AOCMerlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, MalbecEUR 35-60Cotes de Bourg AOC
Why locals love it: Created by Francois Mitjavile, the legendary maker of Le Tertre-Roteboeuf, as a project in the overlooked Cotes de Bourg appellation. 10 hectares of Merlot-Malbec on limestone slopes produce cult-quality wine at a fraction of Mitjavile's Right Bank prices. Wine Advocate 95 points 2005.
Canon-Fronsac AOCMerlot, Cabernet FrancEUR 15-20Canon-Fronsac AOC
Why locals love it: Canon-Fronsac is one of Bordeaux's most undervalued appellations and Moulin Pey-Labrie is its benchmark organic producer. The Hubau family's 7-hectare estate consistently produces wines with greater depth and terroir expression than many Pomerol satellites at half the price.
Pomerol AOCMerlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonEUR 120-350Pomerol AOC
Why locals love it: The Thienpont family's 14-hectare Pomerol estate with an unusually high Cabernet Franc percentage (30%) gives VCC a more structured, mineral character than Petrus-school pure Merlot. Often described by insiders as the intellectual choice in Pomerol; Wine Advocate 100 points 2015.
Pomerol AOCMerlot, Cabernet FrancEUR 600-2500Pomerol AOC
Why locals love it: Just 4.5 hectares with an unusual 50-50 Merlot-Cabernet Franc split that gives Lafleur a floral, graphite complexity absent in the Petrus-school. Baptiste Guinaudeau's biodynamic farming and tiny production make it almost impossible to buy; yet it is the connoisseur's Pomerol. Wine Advocate 100 points 1947.
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A (2022 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, MerlotEUR 100-250Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Why locals love it: While the media focuses on Merlot-dominant Saint-Emilion, Figeac's unusual equal-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blend on gravelly soils gives it a Left Bank-meets-Right Bank character unlike any other Saint-Emilion estate. The 2022 elevation to Premier Grand Cru Classe A attracted new attention, but the estate remains undervalued relative to peers. Wine Advocate 99 points 2022.
Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet FrancEUR 60-120Saint-Julien AOC
Why locals love it: The Barton family has owned Leoville-Barton continuously since 1826 with no corporate parent and no price inflation beyond merit. It remains the best-value second growth in Bordeaux: consistently scoring 97-99 points in top vintages at prices well below peers. Melanie Barton's recent vintages have elevated it further.
Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotRed Bordeaux blend
The largest Cru Bourgeois in the Medoc at 170 hectares; reliable, fruit-forward Cabernet-dominant style with Medoc typicity at an accessible price. Good with lamb and hard cheeses.
Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotRed Bordeaux blend
A fifth-growth Haut-Medoc at a fraction of commune-appellation classified growth prices. Merlaut family management has brought steady quality improvements; dark fruit with classic Medoc cedar notes.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit VerdotRed Bordeaux blend
Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel from a former Celestine priory estate; 51 hectares of typical Saint-Estephe clay soils produce robust, age-worthy Cabernet-dominant reds at under EUR 25. Decanter rates the 2018 at 93 points.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit VerdotRed Bordeaux blend
The second wine of Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel Chasse-Spleen; classic Moulis typicity with dark fruit and structured tannins at well under EUR 20. An intelligent entry point to the Medoc for value seekers.
Merlot, Cabernet FrancRed Bordeaux blend
The cooperative of 230 Saint-Emilion growers produces Grand Cru-level quality from a wide range of limestone and clay parcels. Their Gallus cuvee and L'Excellence range regularly score 88-91 points at accessible prices.
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonRed Bordeaux blend
Fronsac's flagship estate at 60 hectares; structured, ageworthy Merlot-Cabernet Franc blends from limestone terraces. Decanter 93 points 2018; remarkable quality-to-price proposition versus comparable Right Bank peers.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet FrancRed Bordeaux blend
The second wine of Lynch-Bages carries true Pauillac terroir: dark cassis, cedar, and structure. Accessible within the EUR 25 ceiling in many vintages; far better than most second wines at this price tier.
Merlot, Cabernet FrancRed Bordeaux blend
Organic 7-hectare Canon-Fronsac estate producing benchmark clay-limestone Merlot-Cabernet Franc at under EUR 20. Wine Advocate 92 points 2019; Decanter 91 points 2018. Superb local grape character at a price well below equivalent Right Bank.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet FrancRed Bordeaux blend
Second wine of Sociando-Mallet, a Cru Bourgeois that many critics rank above many classified growths in quality. La Demoiselle carries genuine Haut-Medoc character and Gautreau's uncompromising extraction approach at a fraction of the grand vin price.