The Médoc classification

The first classification of Médoc wines was done in 1855 for the Universal Exhibition. It was requested by Napoleon III and the distinctions obtained are indicated on the wine labels. This classification rewards the châteaux which, on terroirs very favorable to the cultivation of vines, produce great red wines and great white wines of very high quality. The 1855 classification was revised in 1973. There are 60 châteaux that are classified from Premier Cru Classé to Cinquième Cru Classé.

The Bourgeois Crus

These Crus Bourgeois are also part of the Médoc classification. Indeed, after the 1855 classification, the owners of many quality Médoc crus requested a classification highlighting their product and their excellent quality/price ratio.

This classification is then opened by the Bordeaux territorial chamber of commerce and industry, the Gironde chamber of agriculture and the Bordeaux federation of great wines. The aim of the classification is to establish a hierarchy of bourgeois crus for wines of the Médoc, Haut Médoc, Listrac, Margaux, Moulis, Pauillac, Saint Estèphe and Saint Julien appellations. The first classification was made in 1978, it included 400 wines. In 2003, a new classification was created, there were only 247 wines. On January 27, 2007, this classification was canceled by the Bordeaux court and a new one was made in 2008.

Among this ranking, we find among others: Château Belgrave, Château Bellevue, Château Lafon, Château Bel Air, Château Lalande, Château du Glana, Château Tour Blanche, Château Preuillac,…