Red Wine First Growth

Red Wine, First Growth to enjoy (rather expensive)

The term "first growth" generally refers to the top-ranked wineries or châteaux in the Bordeaux region of France, particularly those in the Médoc area. The classification system dates back to 1855 and is based on the perceived quality of the wines, as determined by a panel of judges at the time. Here are the five first growth wineries, along with some examples of their red wines:

1. Château Lafite Rothschild: Located in Pauillac, this winery is known for its powerful, complex Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends. Examples of their red wines include:

• Château Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac AOC)

• Carruades de Lafite (Pauillac AOC)

2. Château Latour: Also located in Pauillac, this winery produces rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends that are known for their longevity. Examples of their red wines include:

• Château Latour (Pauillac AOC)

• Les Forts de Latour (Pauillac AOC)

3. Château Margaux: Located in the Margaux appellation, this winery produces elegant, complex Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends that are known for their floral and spicy notes. Examples of their red wines include:

• Château Margaux (Margaux AOC)

• Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux (Margaux AOC)

4. Château Haut-Brion: Located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, this winery produces rich, full-bodied blends that are often dominated by Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc also playing a role. Examples of their red wines include:

• Château Haut-Brion (Pessac-Léognan AOC)

• Le Clarence de Haut-Brion (Pessac-Léognan AOC)

5. Château Mouton Rothschild: Located in Pauillac, this winery produces powerful, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends that are known for their rich fruit flavors and tannic structure. Examples of their red wines include:

• Château Mouton Rothschild (Pauillac AOC)

• Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild (Pauillac AOC)

These red wines are all highly sought-after and can be quite expensive. However, they are widely considered to be among the best wines in the world and are highly coveted by collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.