A new classification for the wines of the Graves is being planned and should be implemented within the next few years.

The Syndicat Viticole des Graves in Bordeaux has just announced plans to introduce a three-tier system, renewable every 10 years, based on the St-Emilion classification introduced in 1959.

The system will include all the communes of AOC Graves and Pessac-Leognan. The Crus Classes – including first growth Haut-Brion – will also come under the new classification. Haut-Brion’s status as a first growth will not be affected.

Dominique Haverlan, president of the Syndicat, said in a statement, ‘Since the Graves was last classified in 1959, the producers of AOC Graves and Pessac-Leognan have improved enormously. This distinction recognises the high level of quality they have reached in terms of terroir, effort, and regional character.’

The Graves is home to some highly-regarded chateaux, including Chateau de Fieuzal, Carbonnieux, Pape-Clement, Smith-Haut-Lafitte, Haut-Bailly and others. Haut-Brion is the only first growth outside the Medoc.

Written by Adam Lechmere

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Adam Lechmere
Adam Lechmere
Decanter Magazine, Wine Editor & Writer

Adam Lechmere is consultant editor of Club Oenologique among other things.

Formerly launch editor of Decanter.com, which he edited until 2011, he has been writing about wine for 20 years, contributing to Decanter, World of Fine Wine, Meininger’s, the Guardian and many others. Before joining the wine world he worked for the BBC, and as a music and film gossip journalist.