Bordeaux Chateaux: A History of the Grands Crus Classes 1855-2005 by Franck Ferrand

A historical tour of the most prestigious chateaux in the world's most popular wine-making region, Bordeaux Style brings the reader into the intimate interiors and tasting rooms of the chateaux. From gleaming black-and-white floor tiles to the graceful shadows cast by stone arches, from luxurious residences to musky wine cellars, these stunning photographs offer a taste of the rich culture behind these grand wines.

In collaboration with Bordeaux's elite Conseil des Grands Crus Class�s, this book is published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the prestigious Grands Crus Class's wine classification system, created by Napoleon III for the 1855 Universal Exhibition in Paris. The original chateaux, selected for their excellence in wine making, included 61 from the M�doc region. The quality of their wines has stood the test of time remarkably well; and while many vineyards have changed hands-some several times over-the classification is still by and large a guarantee of excellent quality.

About the Author
Franck Ferrand is a connoisseur of decorative art and the author of Jacques Garcia: Decorating in the French Style (Flammarion, 1999).

Hugh Johnson is Britain's bestselling wine writer and is famous for his ability to make the most complicated details accessible to the reader and for his sense of humor. He is the author of numerous books on fine wine including The World Atlas of Wine and is currently president of the 243-member Circle of Wine Writers.

Best Books on the Bordeaux Wine Region of France

The Bordeaux region of France produces some of the most expensive and prestigious wines in the world. It is the second largest wine-growing region in the world and produces over 700 million bottles annually. There are three great books that delve into the rich history of the Bordeaux region: Noble Rot: A Bordeaux Wine Revolution Noble Rot Cover (pictured) by William Echikson, a wine columnist for the Wall Street Journal Europe, takes readers into the center of the French wine business. Published in 2004, it discusses the evolution of Bordeaux as the battle rages between old world and new world wine classifications. Bordeaux Chateaux: A History of the Grands Crus Classes 1855-2005 by Franck Ferrand with a forward by Hugh Johnson, is a must have for Bordeaux enthusiasts. Published in 2004, Ferrand takes readers on a historical tour of the prestigious Bordeaux chateaux. Bordeaux: A Consumer's Guide to the World's Finest Wines , by Robert Parker, was first published in 1985. This is core reading for wine enthusiasts and is often referred to as "the Bible".

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