The greatest red wines in the world are produced in the Médoc region within Bordeaux's wine

country. Their peerless quality was awarded official recognition through the 1855 classification,

which marked the birth of a noble heritage celebrating the glory of outstanding wines. Bordeaux

Châteaux: A History of the Grands Crus Classés since 1855 is a voyage of discovery to these exceptional

estates, richly illustrated with photographs specially commissioned for this book.

Old charterhouses, quaint follies, and emblematic castles are scattered throughout this huge expanse

of vineyards. Their oft-overlooked wineries stand to the side or behind these stunning properties,

and belie the meticulous and magical work that they shelter, where a long-line of elite winemakers

fastidiously watch over the laborious wine-making tradition that has defined these exceptional wines

for more than 150 years.

A château's history can be a riveting saga but - whether simple or complex - it invariably demonstrates

that the splendor of great Bordeaux wines resides not in eccentricity, but in perfect balance.

This new updated edition of a best-selling Flammarion classic features over 150 tasting notes for every

wine harvest since the 1855 classification.