In a region with over 8,500 producers and an annual production of more than 700 million bottles, it can - even for the most enthusiastic Bordeaux geeks - be difficult to keep track of. Napoleon III knew this and therefore, at his request, a classification system was introduced in 1855, which has survived to this day.

Over time, several attempts have been made to change the original classification, which many today consider out-dated. And it is true that if the classification were made today, it would look completely different. Some castles have underperformed while others have overperformed, some would slip off the list entirely while others are in the running to join. In reality, you just have to state that the classification holds up 167 years later, so the division cannot be completely skewed.

The classification contains 61 wines, of which only 5 are classified as 1st Cru. You can get an overview of the classified wines as well as the full history of the classification here.