Cru Bourgeois

Three Cru Bourgeois

Château Haut-Marbuzet 2000

CHÂTEAU MALESCASSE 1998

Cru Bourgeois is a classification of wines from the Médoc region in the Bordeaux area of France. This classification, which has undergone several changes since its inception, recognizes wines that do not fall under the more prestigious Saint-Émilion or the Graves classifications, nor the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification which includes the most renowned properties classified as Grand Cru Classé. The Cru Bourgeois label is intended to highlight quality wines that offer value and typicity of their respective appellations within Médoc.

History

The term "bourgeois" originally referred to the bourgeois, or merchant class, of Bordeaux, who owned many of the best wine-producing properties in the Médoc during the Middle Ages. The classification itself dates back to the 1930s, when it was established to recognize quality wines that did not fit into the existing hierarchy of Bordeaux wines. However, the classification has been revised several times, most notably in 2003 and again in 2020, to address criticisms and improve its reliability and relevance.

Classification System

The Cru Bourgeois classification is awarded annually, based on a rigorous set of criteria that evaluate the quality of the wine, the estate's vineyard practices, and its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Unlike the 1855 classification, which is fixed, the Cru Bourgeois status is subject to annual review, allowing for changes in quality and practices at the estates to be recognized.

The classification is divided into three tiers:

• Cru Bourgeois
• Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
• Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel

These tiers reflect varying levels of quality, with Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel representing the highest quality wines within the classification.

Criteria and Selection

To qualify for the Cru Bourgeois classification, a wine must come from the Médoc region and meet strict production criteria. The selection process involves a blind tasting of the wines by an independent panel of experts, as well as an evaluation of the vineyard and winemaking practices to ensure they meet the classification's standards for quality and sustainability.

Impact

The Cru Bourgeois classification serves several purposes. It helps consumers identify quality wines from the Médoc that may not have the prestige or price tag of the more famous classified growths but still offer excellent quality. It also encourages producers to maintain high standards in their vineyard and winemaking practices, as the classification can be revoked if standards fall.

Current Status

As of the latest revision, the Cru Bourgeois classification includes over 200 estates. The list is updated annually, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Bordeaux wine industry and ensuring that the classification remains a relevant and reliable guide for consumers and professionals alike.

Controversies and Challenges

The Cru Bourgeois classification has faced criticism and legal challenges, particularly regarding the 2003 revision, which saw significant changes and exclusions that were contested by some producers. The system's reliance on annual reevaluation also means that estates can lose their classification, leading to potential instability and market confusion. However, the ongoing revisions and updates to the classification criteria are aimed at addressing these issues and ensuring the Cru Bourgeois label remains a mark of quality and integrity.