Exploring Cru Bourgeois du Médoc Wines
Skin + Pulp guest writer Jenni Allen reviews three Cru Bourgeois du Médoc wines and explores why they are excellent value for Bordeaux lovers.
Médoc is an appellation prized for producing characterful red wines of excellent value that are accessible, reliable and most of all - enjoyable. The Cru Bourgeois classification is the promise of expertise, boldness and high-quality standards from passionate winegrowers and makers. The classification isn’t steeped in history and family names (infact it’s relatively new, established in 2010), instead it’s all about the wine and everything that goes into it. The management of the vineyards, the production techniques and a promise to work towards a sustainable future that champions the quality and essence of the place the vines call their home.
In a stand for accessibility and authenticity, every bottle of Cru Bourgeois du Médoc is decorated with a QR code. Scanning this takes customers straight to the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc website where they can access information about that particular chateaux. No hiding behind confusing appellation or blend names - honest winemaking and open information.
The wines
Château Cissac 2017, Haut-Médoc: (Crus Bourgeois). Cabernet-dominated, this wine is full of dark fruit, spice, smoke and herbaceous notes. Smooth, light tannins, a long finish and a light body keep this wine approachable. (Approx £20)
Château Beaumont 2016, Haut-Médoc: (Crus Bourgeois Supérieurs). Cabernet-dominated, this wine is bursting with blackcurrant, blackberry and cassis. It delivers a woody and leathery finish with soft tannins. Still a tad young but lay this down and enjoy in a couple of years for an integrated, smooth wine. (Approx £15)
Château Lilian Ladouys 2014, Saint-Estèphe: (Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels) A special wine from one of only 14 chateaux in this classification. Merlot-dominated, this brings ripe red fruit of raspberry and cherry to the forefront with secondary earthy, nutty and tobacco characteristics. A powerful and concentrated wine. (Approx £30)
Jenni’s on Instagram at @oliveandthevine and you can find out more about her virtual wine tasting events on her website www.oliveandthevine.co.uk.