Bordeaux Classification of 1855

The Bordeaux Classification of 1855 was a ranking system for French Bordeaux wine estates, created for the Exposition Universelle in Paris. Based on reputation and price, it classified the top wine producers into five tiers, called "growths," with the most prestigious being in the First Growth (Premier Cru) category. The classification focused mainly on red wines from the Left Bank, especially the Médoc region, and remains largely unchanged, reflecting longstanding quality and prestige. It helps consumers identify highly regarded wines and has historically influenced pricing and perception within the wine industry.