Médoc Classification - Cru Bourgeois

Médoc Classification - Cru Bourgeois

The Crus Bourgeois designate a rigorous selection of Médoc wines, recognized since 1932 to distinguish properties of great quality not included in the 1855 classification. This label celebrates the excellence of the appellations Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien, Haut-Médoc or Moulis-en-Médoc. Since the 2020 reform, three levels hierarchize this distinction: Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. Among the latter are emblematic estates such as Château Haut-Marbuzet, Château Chasse-Spleen or Château Poujeaux, symbols of Médoc savoir-faire and elegance.

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Crus Classés du Médoc

Crus Classés du Médoc
Grands Crus Classés de Bordeaux

Grands Crus Classés de Bordeaux
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The FAQ

What is a Cru Bourgeois from the Médoc?

A Cru Bourgeois is a wine produced exclusively in the Médoc, an emblematic region of Bordeaux, and recognized for its superior quality. This label distinguishes estates not included in the 1855 classification, but whose wines offer an authentic expression of the Médoc terroir. It guarantees the consistency, typicity and excellence of wines from the main appellations of the Médoc.

What are the most renowned Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels?

Among the most famous Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels are iconic estates such as Château Haut-Marbuzet, Château Chasse-Spleen, Château Phélan Ségur, Château Poujeaux, and Château Gloria. These properties stand out for their consistent quality, elegance and excellent aging potential.

Which grape varieties are used in the Crus Bourgeois of Médoc?

Wines from Crus Bourgeois are generally made from a typically Médoc blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and sometimes Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and longevity, Merlot adds roundness, and Petit Verdot brings aromatic depth. These blends produce balanced, complex wines suited to aging.

The Crus Bourgeois of the Médoc – Excellence and tradition of Bordeaux wines

The Crus Bourgeois are an integral part of the wine heritage of the Médoc, one of the most prestigious territories of the Bordeaux wine region. This label distinguishes high-quality wines produced in the main appellations of the Médoc, while remaining accessible to enthusiasts seeking the elegance and typicity of great Bordeaux wines.

The origin of the Crus Bourgeois classification

The term Cru Bourgeois appears as early as the Middle Ages, when a wealthy bourgeoisie from Bordeaux acquired vineyard land in the Médoc. However, it was in 1932 that an official classification of Crus Bourgeois was established, in order to recognize deserving properties excluded from the 1855 classification, reserved for the Grands Crus Classés of the Médoc and Graves.

This classification, revised several times over the decades, aims to offer consumers a guarantee of quality and traceability. In 2020, a new modernized version of the classification was introduced, based on a strict evaluation of wine quality and estate management.

A classification in three quality levels

The Crus Bourgeois classification is organized into three hierarchical categories:

  • Cru Bourgeois: wines of beautiful typicity, representative of their appellation and offering excellent value for money.

  • Cru Bourgeois Supérieur: more consistent estates, combining precision in vineyard work with regularity in the quality of vintages.

  • Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel: properties recognized for their consistency, complexity and aging capacity, often rivaling the Grands Crus Classés.

This classification is valid for a period of five years, thus ensuring regular updates according to the performance of each estate.

Emblematic estates of the Médoc

Several emblematic estates embody Médoc excellence: Château Haut-Marbuzet, Château Chasse-Spleen, Château Siran, Château Phélan Ségur. These properties are renowned for the consistent quality of their wines, marked by a balanced structure, beautiful aromatic complexity and great aging potential.

The style and characteristics of Crus Bourgeois

Wines classified as Crus Bourgeois reflect the richness and diversity of the Médoc. They are distinguished by their balance between power and finesse, silky tannins, a beautiful aromatic concentration and a remarkable aging potential.

When young, they seduce with their freshness and notes of black fruits and spices. Over time, they develop more complex aromas of undergrowth, tobacco and truffle, comparable to those of the great Bordeaux wines.

Discover our Crus Bourgeois currently in our cellar:

To help you choose your bottle of wine, you can find the experts' ratings (La Revue du Vin de France, Robert Parker, Jancis Robinson, Wine Spectator) available under each product. All our bottles are in stock and shipped the same day for next day delivery. You can also add a wooden case and a personalized message to your order.

Our entire team is also at your disposal to advise you. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

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