The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc, one of the oldest classifications in Bordeaux, have received French ministerial approval for the launch of a new “Crus Bourgeois” classification system, starting with the release of the 2018 vintage in 2020.

This new classification, which has been in development for five years, will represent a return to the historical hierarchy of the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc with three categories: “Cru Bourgeois,” “Cru Bourgeois Supérieur” and “Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel.”

Once launched, the new classification will replace the single “Cru Bourgeois” classification in current use.

During recent Extraordinary General Meetings of the members of the Union of the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc, the text to define the selection criteria and procedures for candidate properties received approval, based on the following key principles:

•  Quality – all wines submitted will be assessed based on blind tastings of several vintages
•  Independence and impartiality of juries and tasters – supervised by an external verification body
•  Development of positive points put forward by each château
•  Respect for the environment
•  Tests and inspections carried out throughout the classification period, commitment to consumers, traceability and authentication of each bottle.

Since 2013, the number of Crus Bourgeois du Médoc distributed in the U.S. has grown from 130 to 180, the organization says. Today, nearly 70% of the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc are available on the U.S. market and in most fine wine stores throughout the country. Each bottle of is authenticated with a QR code sticker that guarantees the quality of the wines that are bottled and enables Cru Bourgeois wines to be easily identified.