Grand Cru Classé
"Grand Cru Classé" refers to a classification system for wines, particularly in the Bordeaux region of France. Established in 1855, it categorizes the best châteaux based on the quality of their wines. The classification is primarily focused on red wine from the Medoc and Sauternes regions, ranking them from first to fifth growths, with the first growths being the highest quality.
The classification is significant for both producers and consumers, as it helps to identify premium wines. While the list has remained largely unchanged, it has sparked discussions about the evolving nature of wine quality and the potential for new classifications, especially with the rise of new world wines.