As the 1855 Classification completely snubbed the wines of the St.-Emilion district, the INAO in 1955 embarked upon a classification of these overlooked wines. The St.-Emilion classification is superior to both the 1855 Classification and the Graves Classification in one unique aspect: Revisions are made every decade. The St.-Emilion Classification has been revised, with some wines added while others dropped, in the years 1969, 1985, and 1996.

This classification names wines at three quality levels. In a descending order, these quality levels are the following:

• Premier Grand Cru Classé (First Great Classified Growth)
• Grand Cru Classé (Great Classified Growth)
• Grand Cru (Great Growth)

On the bottom stratum of the St.-Emilion Classification are approximately 200 wines which are entitled to the appellation, “St.-Emilion Grand Cru.” The middle tier, with a total of 55 wines, includes a number of excellent wines, most of which are on a par with Fourth and Fifth Growths of Haut-Médoc wines from the 1855 Classification, and some of which are even better.

At present, 13 wines hold the ultimate St. Emilion ranking of "Premier Grand Cru Classé." The INAO distinguishes the following two of these 13 wines by placing them in Category A of the Premiers Grands Crus Classés:

• Chateau Ausone
• Chateau Cheval Blanc

The remaining 11 Premier Grand Crus Classé wines occupy Category B.