Cru Bourgeois 2025 reclassification: list of new wineries and changes in the ranking

The Cru Bourgeois system in the Médoc region of Bordeaux has always been synonymous with high-quality yet more affordable wines that fall outside the iconic 1855 classification. Over the past few decades, this system has evolved and undergone numerous changes aimed at ensuring transparency and objectivity in evaluation. In 2025, the second requalification took place following the last major reassessment in 2020. What changes did it bring, and how will it impact the Bordeaux wine market?

History of Cru Bourgeois

The term Cru Bourgeois dates back to the 17th century, originally referring to Médoc wines of high quality that did not reach the level of the aristocratic châteaux included in the famous 1855 classification. The first official list was established in 1932 when the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce designated 444 wineries as Cru Bourgeois.

Since then, the system has undergone several reforms, with a new, competitive evaluation model introduced in 2020, renewed every five years. Three quality levels—Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel—help consumers navigate the classification and reward wineries striving for the highest quality.

However, the system’s history has not been without challenges. In 2003, a multi-tier classification was introduced but was annulled in 2007 due to legal disputes. Fortunately, it was reinstated in 2010, and since then, it has operated as a transparent system, further refined in 2018 and 2020.

Updates in the 2025 Requalification

The 2025 Cru Bourgeois reclassification aimed to further refine and tighten the criteria for wineries to qualify for each level. The evaluation process included several key aspects:

• Tasting of a five-year vertical – An expert panel conducted blind tastings of five consecutive vintages to ensure consistency in quality.
• HVE certification – All Cru Bourgeois wineries had to meet at least Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) Level 2, while higher-tier wineries were required to achieve HVE3.
• Detailed written documentation – Wineries had to submit a 50-page document outlining their philosophy, quality standards, and development strategy.
• On-site inspections – Inspectors visited wineries in person to verify that declared standards matched reality.

The jury consisted of six experts, including Philippe Faure-Brac, the Best Sommelier in the World in 1992.

Another significant change was that wineries that did not wish to undergo classification could withdraw their status before the final results were published, preventing legal complications and potential disputes.

What Does This Mean for Wine Enthusiasts?

The new classification offers wine lovers even greater assurance of quality when purchasing Bordeaux wines. Consumers can trust that wines labeled Cru Bourgeois maintain a consistently high standard. Additionally, price stabilization is expected as wineries competing for higher rankings will strive to uphold superior quality.

Another positive change is the increased emphasis on sustainable viticulture, meaning more wineries are transitioning to environmentally friendly practices, minimizing chemical interventions, and promoting biodiversity.

New Wineries in the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel Category

As part of the Cru Bourgeois 2025 requalification, several wineries were newly classified under the prestigious Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel category, including:

Selected Cru Bourgeois Wines from Our Selection

If you want to taste some of the finest wines classified under the Cru Bourgeois 2025 system, we recommend trying the following:

• Château Paveil de Luze – Elegant and sophisticated wine with great aging potential. (Newly classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel)
• Château Beaumont – Well-balanced and full-bodied wine with excellent tannin structure. (Cru Bourgeois Supérieur)
• Château Bellegrave – Robust and fruity wine with notes of blackcurrant and spice. (Cru Bourgeois)
• Château Bellevue – Harmonious wine with delicate tannins and intense fruit aromas. (Cru Bourgeois)
• Château Paloumey – (Newly classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel)

Conclusion

The 2025 Cru Bourgeois reclassification introduced stricter quality standards, increased transparency, and a stronger focus on sustainability. The updated classification ensures that wines bearing this prestigious status offer not only an exceptional tasting experience but also meet high environmental standards. If you are looking for top-quality Bordeaux wines with an outstanding price-to-quality ratio, Cru Bourgeois is an excellent choice! 🍷

More Information

For a full list of wineries currently holding Cru Bourgeois status, visit the official website: Crus Bourgeois du Médoc.