The 1855 Bordeaux Classification is one of the most famous and historically significant wine rankings in the world, established to recognize the finest wines of Bordeaux. Commissioned by Napoleon III for the Exposition Universelle de Paris, the classification ranked the top châteaux of the Médoc (except for Château Haut-Brion from Graves) and Sauternes/Barsac based on their reputation and market prices at the time. The wines were divided into five growths (crus), with First Growths (Premier Cru) being the highest tier, and only five estates (originally four) achieving this status: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux,Château Haut-Brion, and later Château Mouton Rothschild (elevated in 1973).
The classification remains largely unchanged today, solidifying the prestige and collectibility of these wines. While it was based on market value in 1855, the ranking has proven to be remarkably accurate in identifying estates that continue to produce some of the world’s most sought-after and age-worthy wines. For lovers of fine Bordeaux, the 1855 Classified Growths represent a benchmark of quality, blending history, craftsmanship, and terroir into some of the most iconic wines ever made.
