Classifications of vineyards (châteaux) or wines in Bordeaux were already made in the 18th century. Today there are five systems; the most famous dates back to 1855, but only wines from the left bank (rive gauche) of the Gironde were taken into account, including the Médoc, Graves and Sauternes areas. Of course, excellent wines also grow on the right bank (r ive droite), such as Fronsac, Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The classification, which is more than one and a half centuries old, applies regardless of the quality of the wines, which certainly varies from year to year. So far, as an absolute exception, there has only been one change, with Château Mouton-Rothschild moving up from 2nd to 1st place. It still has great significance and is therefore used by the wineries for marketing purposes, with the rank being indicated on the label.
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Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen