Bordeaux - Grand Cru Selections

The 1855 classification of Bordeaux wine is a historic and influential ranking that was created for the Exposition Universelle de Paris. It aimed to showcase the finest wines from the Bordeaux region of France. The classification divided the wines into five classes, or "growths," based on their reputation and market value at that time. The top tier, known as the "First Growths," included legendary châteaux like Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion, and Mouton Rothschild (added in 1973). The ranking was primarily based on the prices these wines commanded in the market, with the assumption that higher prices reflected superior quality. Though the classification was originally intended for Bordeaux's internal use, it quickly gained global recognition and remains a reference point for wine collectors and enthusiasts, shaping the perception and value of Bordeaux wines ever since.