Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855

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Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855

The Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 was a ranking of the wineries in the Bordeaux region of France. This classification was requested by Emperor Napoleon III for the Exposition Universelle de Paris, with the goal of showcasing the best wines of Bordeaux to the world. The classification was based on the reputation and trading price of the wines, which at the time was directly related to quality.

History

The classification was created by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and the Bordeaux Wine Brokers' Union. The brokers ranked the wines according to a chateau's reputation and trading price, which was a reflection of the wine's quality at that time. The classification has remained largely unchanged since its inception, with only a few modifications.

Categories

The classification is divided into several categories:

First Growths (Premiers Crus)

The top tier of the classification, known as "First Growths," includes the following chateaux:

• Château Lafite Rothschild
• Château Latour
• Château Margaux
• Château Haut-Brion
• Château Mouton Rothschild (elevated to First Growth status in 1973)

Second Growths (Deuxièmes Crus)

The second tier includes notable chateaux such as:

• Château Montrose
• Château Léoville-Las Cases
• Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Third Growths (Troisièmes Crus)

This category includes:

• Château Palmer
• Château Lagrange
• Château Giscours

Fourth Growths (Quatrièmes Crus)

This tier includes:

• Château Talbot
• Château Branaire-Ducru
• Château Duhart-Milon

Fifth Growths (Cinquièmes Crus)

The fifth and final tier includes:

• Château Lynch-Bages
• Château Pontet-Canet
• Château Dauzac

Significance

The 1855 classification has had a lasting impact on the Bordeaux wine industry. It has provided a benchmark for quality and prestige, influencing wine prices and consumer perceptions. The classification is still used today as a reference point for Bordeaux wines, although it has faced criticism for its rigidity and lack of updates.

See Also

• Bordeaux wine regions
• French wine
• Wine classification
• Château (wine)
• Exposition Universelle (1855)