Cru Bourgeois de Medoc’s 2030 Classification Overhaul

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The Cru Bourgeois de Medoc is evolving with a new classification system, enhancing quality and adapting to consumer trends as it approaches 2030.

The Evolution of Cru Bourgeois de Medoc: A New Era

The Cru Bourgeois de Medoc is undergoing significant changes as it approaches the 2030 classification. This transformation was highlighted during a recent tasting event in London, where industry professionals sampled the 2022 vintage. This vintage marks the beginning of a new classification cycle, which will occur every five years.

The Cru Bourgeois de Medoc association currently includes 250 members. To maintain their status, producers must undergo a rigorous re-application process. This process requires them to submit wines from five different vintages for blind tasting evaluations.

The new classification system, introduced in 2020, consists of three levels: Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. This structure aims to provide a clearer distinction in quality among the wines produced. As vice president Armelle Cruse noted, this approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of a producer’s style over time.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The journey to the new classification has not been without its challenges. Many producers expressed dissatisfaction with the re-classification process. Legal issues also arose, particularly concerning board member conflicts of interest.

Despite these hurdles, Cruse remains optimistic about the new structure. She believes it is essential for differentiating quality among the wines. As of now, the association includes 150 producers under the Cru Bourgeois category, 56 under Supérieur, and 14 under Exceptionnel.

Looking ahead, the upcoming classification will likely see changes in membership. New wineries may join, while some producers could be upgraded or downgraded. This dynamic process ensures that quality remains a top priority in the Cru Bourgeois de Medoc.

The Future of Bordeaux Wines

As the Cru Bourgeois de Medoc moves forward, it faces several challenges, particularly related to climate change. Each year brings new weather-related issues, such as hail, frost, and mildew. Additionally, the growing consumer preference for white wines poses a challenge for Bordeaux’s traditionally red-leaning production.

To adapt, producers must create more approachable wines with lower tannin levels. Cruse emphasizes the need to cater to younger consumers, many of whom prefer beer over wine. This shift in consumer preferences necessitates a reevaluation of production methods.

Despite these challenges, the 2022 vintage has been celebrated as a success. Cruse described it as a year where "everything was in place" for optimal grape concentration. As the Cru Bourgeois de Medoc looks to the future, it remains committed to producing high-quality wines that resonate with evolving consumer tastes.

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

Source: Harpers – Cru Bourgeois de Medoc looks to 2030 classification following major overhaul