The crus of the bourgeoisie
From the 15th century, the bourgeoisie — inhabitants of Bordeaux’s “burg” — were the merchants and artisans who formed an important part of the city’s political life. Thus, they enjoyed certain privileges, among the most important of which was an exemption from all taxes on the wines produced by their vineyards. Gradually, this class became increasingly wealthy and began to acquire the best quality land and develop new techniques in both vineyards and vat rooms. The bourgeois winemakers became producers of wines of great quality, and their estates grew to create prestigious vineyards which became known as “crus of the bourgeois” and finally “Crus Bourgeois”.
Today, these estates are worked, as family owned properties that are transmitted from generation to generation and often enjoy well-established reputations among wine drinkers and the Bordeaux trade.
Wines of reputable quality
The term “Cru Bourgeois” has long been associated with a reputation for high quality and great tradition. An established pedigree and a recognisable character also distinguish these wines.
The Crus Bourgeois have been able to maintain great diversity without losing the sense of family, which connects them.
This has resulted in a wide range of tastes, aromas, and pleasures.
Wines at affordable prices
The Médoc Crus Bourgeois represent an inexhaustible supply for wine enthusiasts who can choose between the most famous great wines, as well as discovering lesser-known estates whose reputations have not yet caught up with their quality. Delicious in their youth (3–4 years), these are wines, which improve with age; their solid, tannic structure is matched by their aromatic complexity. These advantages allow Crus Bourgeois wines to perfectly accompany the finest foods and to successfully set the mood for an evening among friends.
Today
The Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc in concert with French government agencies has organised a new initiative called « Reconnaissance Cru Bourgeois”. It was based on a new set of technical standards, controlled by an independent organisation to verify each château’s adherence to these standards. Starting with the 2008 vintage, about 250 vintages were retained each year.
In February 2020, a new official classification was published, divided into three levels: Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel.
It consecrates 249 châteaux for 5 years, and is based on the same principle as the previous recognition, with precise specifications and an independant certifying organisation.