The Médoc Winemakers are the Real Face of Bordeaux

Crus Bourgeois may not be the grandest Bordeaux classifications. But behind the distinction lies a world of family-owned Medoc estates that make delicious wines at affordable prices.

The history of the Crus Bourgeois dates to the Middle Ages. The English rulers of Bordeaux allowed middle-class merchants, called the Bourgeois, to buy land and make or sell wine without being taxed.

By the 15^th century, the Bourgeois had acquired some of the best sites in the region, which became known as the Crus Bourgeois. Over the centuries, wineries here aided the development of the Médoc’s vineyards and their reputation as producers of high-quality wine.

Unlike other classifications that either never or rarely change, the Cru Bourgeois title is earned, not given by default. Each year, aspiring estates send their wines to be tasted and judged by an independent panel.

For the 2015 vintage, 271 chateaus from across the region, including the Médoc, Haut-Medoc, Listrac-Médoc, Moulis-en-Médoc, Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe Appellations d’Origine Protégée (AOPs), earned the distinction. Saint-Julien, another appellation eligible for the classification, was not represented in the 2015 selections.

Bordeaux, Medoc

Bernard Magrez, L'Elegance Des Grande Chene, Medoc (2937351) (2019)

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