2025 Cru Bourgeois Classification Overview
The 2025 Cru Bourgeois classification has just been unveiled, retaining the tri-tier system established in 2020 but now featuring stricter criteria for each level.
This year, only 170 estates have been recognized—a sharp decrease of 37.7% from 2020’s list, which included 249 properties.
Among this select group, 14 estates have earned the prestigious title of Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, 36 are categorized as Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, and 120 are classified simply as Cru Bourgeois.
This reduction in the number of estates can be linked to the tough market conditions many wineries are navigating, coupled with new and more rigorous evaluation standards for each classification tier.
As in past assessments, the process involved blind tastings of five representative vintages to gauge quality consistency and aging potential.
However, those vying for Supérieur and Exceptionnel statuses faced intensified scrutiny, with an emphasis on technical, viticultural, and commercial advancements achieved over the year.
Qualification Criteria and Evaluation Process
To qualify for inclusion in this classification, estates were required to submit detailed dossiers that outlined their vineyard management practices, sustainability initiatives, and sales strategies.
The evaluation also considered the state of visitor facilities, brand positioning, and overall influence in the market.
A notable enhancement this year is the increased importance placed on environmental certifications, ensuring each estate met eligibility requirements following onsite assessments.
Estates classified as Cru Bourgeois needed a minimum level two environmental certification (such as AREA, Bee Friendly, or TerraVitis).
In contrast, those aiming for Supérieur and Exceptionnel classifications must achieve both level two and three Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certifications.
A committee of ten experts carefully reviewed the submissions, scoring each estate, with a final decision rendered by a six-member jury led by Philippe Faure-Brac, the 1992 World’s Best Sommelier.
To achieve the distinguished Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel status, estates needed to secure a two-thirds majority during a confidential jury vote.
Impact of the Revised Classification
Since 2020, the number of estates classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel has remained relatively stable.
Six estates retained their status, while eight were newly elevated, and eight others were removed.
Estates that lost their ranking include d’Agassac, Arnauld, Belle-Vue, Cambon la Pelouse, and more across regions like Haut-Médoc and Saint-Estèphe.
- **AOC MÉDOC**
- Château la Cardonne – new entry, previously featured as Supérieur
- Château Castera – new entry, previously featured as Supérieur
- Château Laujac – new entry, previously featured as Supérieur
- **AOC HAUT-MÉDOC**
- Château Malescasse
- Château de Malleret
- Château Paloumey – new entry, previously featured as Supérieur
- Château Reysson – new entry, previously featured as Supérieur
- Château du Taillan
- **AOC LISTRAC-MÉDOC**
- Château Reverdi – new entry, previously featured as Supérieur
- **AOC MARGAUX**
- Château d’Arsac
- Château Mongravey – new entry, previously featured as Supérieur
- Château Paveil de Luze
- **AOC SAINT-ESTÈPHE**
- Château le Crock
- Château Lafitte Carcasset – new entry, previously featured as Supérieur
The reestablishment of this classification system in 2020 aimed to enhance consumer transparency and highlight exceptional estates.
The latest update reinforces this directive by emphasizing quality and consistency across all classifications.
Armelle Cruse, vice-president of the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois, noted that the decision to strengthen selection criteria for 2025 is designed to inspire the entire Cru Bourgeois community to produce wines that not only showcase diversity but also achieve superior quality.
While the notable decrease in classified estates may raise eyebrows, this more selective approach promises to yield clearer and more refined offerings for consumers.
Historically, updates to the classification have sparked conversations about marketing and tourism’s influence on the wine industry, yet many insiders appreciate the increased focus on sustainability now woven into the evaluation.
Faure-Brac pointed out that the current classification mirrors the proactive steps estates are taking in light of market shifts and environmental concerns.
He highlighted the motivations of respondents and the quality of their vineyards as crucial elements in their applications.
This emphasis on sustainability not only aligns with evolving consumer expectations but also addresses past critiques regarding environmental practices.
The classification now serves as a vital guide for consumers seeking assurance regarding the quality and production standards of their wine selections.
Among the newly recognized estates is Château Paloumey, a 37-hectare family-run enterprise overseen by Pierre Cazeneuve, who also manages Château La Garricq and Château la Bessane.
Nestled in the Haut-Médoc region, Château Paloumey has boasted organic certification since 2019.
Cazeneuve emphasized the significance of being part of the Cru Bourgeois classification, highlighting its historical and geographical relevance to Médoc.
The Crus Bourgeois designation carries a rich legacy in Bordeaux, tracing its roots back centuries.
The term “Crus des Bourgeois” first gained traction in the 15th century, signifying estates that enjoyed favorable conditions during English rule.
A pricing list for these wines surfaced in 1740, leading to a formal hierarchy being documented in 1858.
The first classification was established in 1932, but it lacked official validation.
Over the years, the classification has evolved through numerous reforms, including the creation of the Syndicat des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc in 1962 and achieving legal recognition in 1979.
The first official classification rolled out in 2003 faced legal hurdles that led to its annulment four years later.
However, after a restructuring for increased integrity, a revised classification was finalized in 2010, leading to the reinstatement of the three-tier system in 2016.
This 2025 classification will remain in effect for the next five years, underscoring the commitment to quality within the Cru Bourgeois framework.
Looking ahead, the classification serves as a vital gauge of quality and innovation in the Médoc region.
Faure-Brac stressed that this classification enhances visibility for estates, especially in the current economic climate, assisting them in distinguishing themselves while fostering collective promotional opportunities crucial for growth.
The Crus Bourgeois classification continues to adapt, striving to guide consumers toward outstanding Bordeaux wines while motivating Médoc estates to uphold their dedication to excellence.
Source: Decanter
