Grands Crus Classés de 1855: A Guide to Pronouncing the Prestigious Bordeaux Wines317

The 1855 Bordeaux Classification is a renowned ranking of the most prestigious vineyards in the Bordeaux region of France. These classified growths, known as Grands Crus Classés, produce some of the most sought-after and expensive wines in the world. If you're a wine enthusiast or simply curious about the esteemed wines of Bordeaux, mastering the pronunciation of their names is essential.

1. Château Margaux (Château Marg-oh)

Château Margaux is the only First Growth classified in the Margaux appellation. Its name is derived from the Gascon word "margalh," meaning "clayey soil." Pronounce it with a soft "g" as in "rouge."

2. Château Latour (Château La-tour)

Château Latour is one of the most famous First Growths from the Pauillac appellation. Its name comes from the old Occitan word "tor" meaning "tower." Pronounce the "o" in "Latour" as a long "o" as in "soar."

3. Château Lafite Rothschild (Château La-fit Ro-thschild)

Château Lafite Rothschild is another renowned First Growth from the Pauillac appellation. Its name is a combination of its former owner, the Lafite family, and its current owners, the Rothschild family. Pronounce the "a" in "Lafite" as in "father."

4. Château Mouton Rothschild (Château Moo-ton Ro-thschild)

Château Mouton Rothschild is the only Second Growth elevated to First Growth status in the 1973 reclassification. Its name means "sheep hill" in French, referencing the pasture where the sheep graze. Pronounce the "oo" in "Mouton" as in "boot."

5. Château Haut-Brion (Château Oh-bree-on)

Château Haut-Brion is a unique First Growth as it is located in the Graves appellation rather than the Médoc. Its name derives from the "hau" (high) and "brion" (hill) of its location. Pronounce the "o" in "Haut-Brion" as in "awe."

6. Château Pétrus (Château Pet-roos)

Château Pétrus is the only Premier Cru Supérieur Classé in the Pomerol appellation. Its name comes from the Latin word "Petrus," meaning "Peter." Pronounce the "e" in "Pétrus" as a short "e" as in "bet."

7. Château Cheval Blanc (Château Shuh-val Blahnk)

Château Cheval Blanc is the only Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the Saint-Émilion appellation. Its name translates to "white horse" in French, referring to the white horse on its coat of arms. Pronounce the "chev" in "Cheval" as in "shev."

8. Château Ausone (Château Oh-sohn)

Château Ausone is a Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the Saint-Émilion appellation. Its name comes from the Roman poet Ausonius who owned the estate in the 4th century. Pronounce the "au" in "Ausone" as in "awe."

9. Château Angélus (Château Ahn-zhe-loos)

Château Angélus is a Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the Saint-Émilion appellation. Its name is derived from the Latin word "angelus," meaning "angel," referring to the bell that was rung to announce the start of the day's work in the vineyards. Pronounce the "g" in "Angélus" as a soft "g" as in "rouge."

10. Château Pavie (Château Pah-vee)

Château Pavie is a Premier Grand Cru Classé B in the Saint-Émilion appellation. Its name comes from the Latin word "pavia," meaning "peach tree." Pronounce the "a" in "Pavie" as a long "a" as in "day."

11. Château Figeac (Château Fee-zhak)

Château Figeac is a Premier Grand Cru Classé B in the Saint-Émilion appellation. Its name derives from the ancient fig trees that grow on the estate. Pronounce the "ea" in "Figeac" as in "fee."

12. Château Canon (Château Kah-non)

Château Canon is a Premier Grand Cru Classé B in the Saint-Émilion appellation. Its name comes from the canon who owned the estate in the 12th century. Pronounce the "a" in "Canon" as in "father."

13. Château La Conseillante (Château La Cawn-say-ee-ahnt)

Château La Conseillante is a Premier Grand Cru Classé C in the Pomerol appellation. Its name means "the counselor" in French, referring to its former owner, Pierre de Ségur. Pronounce the "ai" in "Conseillante" as in "hay."

14. Château Trotanoy (Château Troh-tah-nwah)

Château Trotanoy is a Premier Grand Cru Classé C in the Pomerol appellation. Its name is derived from the Occitan word "trota," meaning "path." Pronounce the "o" in "Trotanoy" as in "oh."

15. Château L'Évangile (Château Leh-vah-n-zheel)

Château L'Évangile is a Premier Grand Cru Classé C in the Pomerol appellation. Its name translates to "the gospel" in French, referring to the evangelism of the parish priest who once owned the estate. Pronounce the "é" in "L'Évangile" as a closed "e" as in "day."

2024-11-16

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