October 16, 2026
Why Does Pauillac Have 3 First Growths?
Three of Bordeaux’s five first growths sit in one appellation. History, soil and a 1973 exception explain why.
47
winegrowers
1,220
hectares, 7.5% of the Médoc
18
classified growths, 3 of them first growths
90%
of production is classified
Pauillac sits in the Médoc, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. Three of Bordeaux’s five first growths have their château here: Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. No other appellation can say as much.
Why does Pauillac hold this privilege? The answer combines history, soil and one famous exception. This guide walks through each part, then shows how you can discover Pauillac with us.
What is a
first growth?
A first growth, or premier cru, is the highest rank of the 1855 classification. That year, Napoleon III wanted the wines of France on display at the Universal Exposition in Paris. Bordeaux’s Chamber of Commerce handed the task of drawing up a list to the city’s association of wine brokers.
The brokers ranked the wines by the prices they had fetched over roughly thirty years, so the list followed the market.
Four wines reached the top rank: Lafite Rothschild and Latour in Pauillac, Margaux in Margaux, and Haut-Brion in Pessac. Two of those four names were already in Pauillac.
A red wine,
powerful and elegant
Pauillac produces red wine only. Cabernet Sauvignon holds the leading role, often joined by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Firm tannins, real aromatic finesse, and the reward of a few years in the cellar.
The terroir behind the names
The ranking did not appear out of nowhere. Pauillac’s soil blends gravel, sand and clay, deposits the Garonne laid down over a very long span of time. The vines grow here with the estuary close by.
Terroir explains why Pauillac makes great wine. The 1855 ranking explains why three names carry the title of first growth. Today, about 90% of what the appellation produces by volume is classified.
The first growths
The 3 first growths of Pauillac
Pauillac counts 18 classified growths in all. Three of them sit at the very top: Lafite Rothschild and Latour, first growths from the start in 1855, and Mouton Rothschild, promoted in 1973.
Since 1855
First growth
Château Lafite Rothschild
Since 1855
First growth
Château Latour
Since 1973
First growth
Château Mouton Rothschild
THE 1973 EXCEPTION
In 1855, Mouton Rothschild stood at the head of the second rank, just below the first growths. Its owner, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, campaigned for decades to change that. He finally succeeded in 1973, when the Minister of Agriculture of the day, Jacques Chirac, signed the decree promoting Mouton. It remains the only change ever made to the classification. Bordeaux now had five first growths, and Pauillac had its third.
Private tour
Discover Pauillac with us
All our tours are entirely private. Your guide is also your driver, a local wine expert. Our Médoc wine tour lasts a full day of about eight hours. We visit two to three châteaux, from classified growths of 1855 to family estates.
We build your day around the châteaux you wish to discover, subject to availability.
The most sought-after estates are very selective. Some close at certain times of year, and they must be booked several months ahead.
We can also book your lunch. Tell us what you prefer, and we handle the rest.