What is Cru Bourgeois?

Hey there! As someone who loves Bordeaux wines, let me break down Cru Bourgeois for you. It's a classification for wines from France's Bordeaux region, specifically the Médoc area. It's not a fancy official ranking like some others, but super practical. Don't worry—I'll keep it simple and avoid the jargon.

A Bit of Background

Think of the Bordeaux wine world like a big family: you've got the superstar "First Growths" (those top-tier estates from the 1855 classification), and then the middle-class "Cru Bourgeois." These aren't the priciest, but they're reliable, great value, and mostly come from Médoc's eight sub-regions like Margaux or Pauillac. Basically, they're estates that didn't make the elite list but still make seriously good wine.

How Did It Start?

The concept first appeared in 1932, when some estates felt overlooked and formed an alliance called "Cru Bourgeois du Médoc" to prove their wines were just as good. Historically, the classification was a bit messy, with criteria changing over time. But it's much more stable now: since 2020, it's reviewed every 5 years by an independent panel. Not every estate makes the cut—they're judged on wine quality, estate management, sustainability, and more.

What Are the Tiers Today?

Currently (for the 2020-2024 selection), Cru Bourgeois has three tiers:

Cru Bourgeois: Entry-level, solid everyday wines.
Cru Bourgeois Supérieur: A step up, with greater complexity and depth.
Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel: The elite tier, reserved for a handful of estates like Château Paveil de Luze or Château Lilian Ladouys. Their wines rival some classified growths but at friendlier prices.

Around 200+ estates hold the title, producing ~30% of Médoc's wine annually. Not every vintage gets the label—it must pass a tasting panel.

Why Should You Care?

If you're new to red wine, Cru Bourgeois is a perfect starting point. Way better than supermarket plonk, typically priced between ¥100-300 RMB (varies by vintage), with flavors of blackcurrant and oak—elegant but not overwhelming. Compared to First Growths costing thousands, it's far more approachable. I often grab a bottle to pair with steak—total bang for your buck!

For deeper dives, check the alliance's official site or grab a Bordeaux guide. In short, Cru Bourgeois is the reliable backbone of Bordeaux—not royalty, but a seriously trustworthy choice. Hit me up if you have more questions! 🍷