For the Exposition, Napoleon III requested a classification system for France's best Bordeaux wines which were to be on display for visitors from around the world. Brokers from the wine industry ranked the wines according to a château's reputation and trading price, which at that time was directly related to quality. The result was the important Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.
External links
Fanfare for the New Empire (http://charon.sfsu.edu/PARISEXPOSITIONS/1855EXPO.html)