The Bordeaux ‘Cru Bourgeois’ classification was established in 1932 by owners of Médoc châteaux that had not been included in the 1855 Bordeaux ‘Grand Cru Classé’ system.
Focused, from the outset, on quality, they delegated the job of deciding whether a château merited classification to an elected committee and, unlike their more illustrious counterpart, made periodic reviews of performance part of the system. Given the subjective nature of the committee’s decisions, controversy was inevitable and in 2003, châteaux that had been ‘de-classified’ took their grievances to court and won.
As a consequence, the ‘Cru Bourgeois’ accreditation system had to be re-invented as a seal of quality, administered according to strict criteria by a third party. 15 years on, the grievances of the past appear to have been forgotten.
We will taste wines from eight of our favourite producers in this category.
Tutor: Vivienne Franks with Malcolm Franks
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.
