A classification is an official or historic ranking of vineyards, estates or wines by quality and reputation. Famous examples include the 1855 Bordeaux classification of growths, Burgundy's Grand and Premier Cru vineyard hierarchy, and Saint-Émilion's periodically revised list. Classifications guide buyers and underpin prices, though some are centuries old and debated. They reflect terroir, track record and, sometimes, politics.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR COLLECTORS
Classifications shape value powerfully but imperfectly: a classified-growth label commands a premium, yet some unclassified estates outperform their rank. Treat classification as a strong starting point, not the final word.
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