Cru bourgeois是什麼意思

"Cru Bourgeois" is a term used in Bordeaux, France, to designate a classification of wines that are considered to be of high quality but do not qualify for the more prestigious classifications of First Growth, Second Growth, etc. (known as the "Grands Crus Classés"). The term "Bourgeois" refers to the middle class, and "Cru" means "growth" or "vineyard."

The Cru Bourgeois classification was established in 1932 to recognize the quality of wines from the Médoc region that were not included in the 1855 Classification, which only covered the wines of the Haut-Médoc and Graves regions. The 1855 Classification is based on the prices of the wines at the time, and it did not include many excellent estates that were not part of the official Bordeaux wine trade.

To be classified as a Cru Bourgeois, a wine must come from one of the following appellations: Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Listrac-Médoc, Moulis-en-Médoc, or Margaux. The classification is not permanent and is subject to review every five years. Wines that do not meet the quality standards can be demoted, while those that demonstrate consistent excellence can be promoted.

The Cru Bourgeois classification is not as well-known as the Grands Crus Classés, but it includes many excellent wines that offer good value for money. The wines are typically made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and other grape varieties, and they are known for their elegance, complexity, and aging potential.