What is a Grand Cru in Bordeaux? (And why you might not need one)

“Grand Cru” sounds impressive. And in many regions of France, it marks the highest classification of vineyard or wine. But in Bordeaux, it’s not always that simple, and not always a guarantee of quality.

At Château Canon Chaigneau, we’re not a Grand Cru. But our wines regularly surprise those who assume excellence comes only with a big name.

What does Grand Cru mean in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has multiple classification systems:

• 1855 Classification (Médoc & Sauternes)

• Graves Classification

• Saint-Émilion Classification, updated every decade

However, Lalande-de-Pomerol, where we are, has no formal ranking system.

We stand on reputation, terroir, and the quality in each bottle, not on a historic title.

When quality speaks louder than Labels

We often reflect on this when tasting legendary wines.
Take, for example, a 1947 magnum of Petrus, a transcendent, unforgettable bottle, from a mythical vintage.

But for the price of just one of these unicorns, how many cases of Château Canon Chaigneau 2018 could you enjoy, share, and cellar?

Vinified by Thierry Garnaud, former winemaker at Cheval Blanc, from vines on the similar ancient plateau, our wines offer:

• Elegance

• Complexity

• Ageability

• And, importantly, accessibility

This is what we call affordable luxury, and it’s something we’re proud to offer.

How to experience it

You don’t need a Grand Cru label to drink something exceptional.
Start here:

• Grand Vin 2018, a benchmark vintage, crafted to age
  

• Discovery Case, six vintages, six stories of passion and place

Because in the end, it’s not the title that matters, it’s the wine in your glass.