A classification system in the wine world is a way of ranking or organizing wines based on quality, origin, or specific production rules. These systems are often created by governments or wine regions to protect traditional practices and help consumers understand what to expect from a wine. For example, France uses terms like AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), Italy uses DOC and DOCG, and Spain has DO and DOCa—each with rules about which grapes can be used, where they must be grown, and how the wine is made. In some cases, like Bordeaux’s 1855 Classification or Rioja’s aging tiers, classifications also reflect prestige or aging requirements. For beginners, a classification offers a helpful guide to a wine’s style, quality level, and authenticity.