Classifications

Premier Cru Classé is a designation from the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification, ranking select châteaux in Médoc and Sauternes among the highest quality producers. It signifies exceptional wines with longstanding reputations, subject to strict production standards.

Grand Cru Classé is a classification established in 1855 for Bordeaux wines, primarily in the Médoc and Sauternes regions. It ranks select châteaux based on historical reputation and market value, highlighting consistent quality within designated growth tiers.

Riserva DOCG is a special category of Italian wine that signifies a higher level of aging and quality within the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) system, the highest classification for Italian wines.

Gran Selezione is the highest classification within Chianti Classico DOCG in Tuscany, introduced in 2014. It requires stricter production standards, including estate-grown grapes and a minimum of 30 months ageing, highlighting top-quality wines with regional typicity.

Premier Cru is a vineyard classification used in Burgundy and Champagne, denoting sites recognized for producing high-quality wines, ranked just below Grand Cru. It reflects superior terroir and adherence to strict production standards within designated appellations.

AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a U.S. wine classification that designates specific grape-growing regions with distinct geographic and climatic features. Wines labelled with an AVA must source at least 85% of their grapes from that defined area, emphasising regional identity.