The Medoc crus bourgeois classification
What is the point of classification?
An excellent question, which needs to be addressed. A classification is a system for ranking wines on the basis of their quality, their reputation and their reliability over the years. The aim is to guide wine lovers, to protect the value of the wines, and to promote their native terroir. It’s about laying the foundations for even greater success.
what is the
classification exacltly?
So what exactly is the “Crus Bourgeois du Médoc” classification?
The idea is simple enough: to bring together châteaux and estates which share three core values
- a constant quest for quality,
- sustainable viticulture,
- affordable prices.
The strict classification is revised every five years, recognizing the Médoc’s most consistent and committed wine estates, the producers of superior red wines which encapsulate the diversity of our terroirs and the riches of our region. In 2025 the classification contained 170 estates spread across seven appellations in the Médoc.
Here’s the roll call: Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Listrac-Médoc, Moulis-en-Médoc, Margaux, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe.
The classification is a valuable quality guarantee for consumers, recognized and regulated by the French government. It has become a valued label, a banner uniting almost 120 passionate winegrowers, an eclectic bunch who all share a profound attachment to their land.
So, in the end?
The classification actually has three different levels, proudly displayed on the label of each bottle:
- CRU BOURGEOIS
- CRU BOURGEOIS SUPERIEUR
- CRU BOURGEOIS EXCEPTIONNEL
What makes it stand out from other bordeaux
classifications?
This classification is completely different from the rest.
This is also the biggest classification in Bordeaux in terms of the number of estates involved.
First of all, because each classification is specific to a particular wine-producing region: in this case, the Médoc.
The classification is respected for its transparency, independence and collective spirit.
All châteaux must provide proof of government-accredited environmental certification, confirming their sustainable credentials.
The wines are then tasted by a panel of professionals, and subjected to strict quality controls – that’s true of other classifications, too, but it bears repeating all the same.
We know, we know, it’s not good to constantly compare yourself to others… But still, the big difference with this classification is how frequently it changes. Since 2020, the classification has operated on a five-year basis. Every estate is reassessed every five years, which is much more regularly than the other classifications you may have heard of.
Read also: Bordeaux classifications.
Who is included in the list right now?
170 estates, many of them family-owned, are part of the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois. Together, they account for over 40% of all wine produced in the Médoc.
A bit of
history
For wine history geeks, let’s dig a little deeper into the timeline of this classification: 1932 to the present day. The first Médoc Crus Bourgeois classification dates back to 1932. Originally, the idea was to bring together estates producing high-quality, easygoing wines, united by a collective commitment to high standards. That mission statement remains unchanged to this day.
1932
The first classification is launched
Informed by a collective commitment to quality. The classification was never submitted for government approval, but it still served as a handy reference guide for several decades.
1962
Formation of the Crus Bourgeois du Medoc Union
1979
Official recognition of the cru bourgeois title
Good things come to those who wait, and thanks to a new eu law on labelling – and under the watchful eye of the french government – producers were finally allowed to use the cru bourgeois title on their bottles.
2003
1st official Crus Bourgeois du Medoc classification
247 châteaux selected from 490 candidates, divided into three categories: 151 “crus bourgeois”, 87 “crus bourgeois supérieurs” and 9 “crus bourgeois exceptionnels”.
2010
First official selection of crus bourgeois du medoc
2020
Publication of the 1st five-year classification
From then on, the classification would be revised every five years. The technical specifications are rigorous and remain applicable to all estates located within one of the médoc’s eight pdo zones: médoc, haut-médoc, listrac-médoc, moulis-en-médoc, margaux, saint-julien, pauillac, saint-estèphe.
2025
Publication of the 2nd edition of the five-yearly medoc crus bourgeois classification
170 châteaux feature in this new-look classification.
