1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification

The 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification was a ranking system created for the Exposition Universelle in Paris. It categorizes Bordeaux wines into five levels, or “growths,” based on reputation and quality at that time. The classification mainly applies to Médoc and Sauternes wines, with the top-tier “Premier Cru” or First Growths including famous estates like Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Margaux. This system remains influential today, shaping perceptions of Bordeaux wines’ prestige and value, and it emphasizes tradition and consistency in a region renowned for its high-quality wines.