Minister backs re-evaluation of ‘failed’ cru bourgeois

The French ministry of agriculture has ratified the decision of a Bordeaux court hearing, allowing 77 châteaux to be re-evaluted for cru bourgeois status.

Dominique Bussereau, the agriculture minister, made the ruling two months after a Bordeaux court decided that the declassification of the 77 châteaux was void.

In 2003, the 77 château lost their ‘cru bourgeois’ status after a panel found they had failed to meet the necessary requirements for such a title. Questions arose, however, after it became apparent that the judging process was unfair – one government official calling it ‘tainted with illegality’.

The wines and châteaux will be re-evaluated sometime this year although the exact date is unknown.

The 247 châteaux, successful in gaining cru bourgeois status in 2003, will not have to go through the proceedure again.

Here is the full list of the 77 châteaux up for re-evaluation:

Médoc:

Château Andron; Château Bellegrave (Michel Chauvin); Château Bellegrave (Christian Caussèque); Château Bellerive; Château Bellevue; Château Beyzac; Château Carcanieux; Château Chantemerle; Château de Laverdasse; Château de Sestignan; Château de Taste; Château des Granges d’Or; Château Haut Barail; Château Haut Brisey;

Château Haut Grignon; Château La Chandelière; Château La France; Château La Lande d’Auvion; Château La Mothe; Château La Pirouette; Château La Ribaud; Château Lartigue; Château Lassus; Château Laulan Ducos; Château Les Tourelles; Château Lestruelle; Château Listran; Château Longbosq; Château Meric; Château Moulin de Brion; Château Moulin de Castillon; Château Moulin Gauchant; Château Pey de Pont; Château Preuillac; Château Rose de France; Château Saint Bonnet; Château Saint Christoly; Château Sigognac; Château Taffard de Blaignan;Château Tour Castillon; Château Tour Négrier.

Haut Médoc:

Château d’Avensan; Château Bellegrave du Poujeau; Château Bernone; Château de Cacil; Château du Cartillon; Château de Coudot; Château Ferré;

Château du Galan; Château Grand Moulin; Château Haut Logat; Château Haut Tayac; Château Maucaillou Felletin; Château Moulin de Blanchon; Château Segur; Château Le Souley Saint Croix; Château Tour Carmail; Château Tour Marcillanet.

Saint-Estèphe:

Château Faget; Château Haut Coteau; Château La Croix Marbuzet; Château La Rose Brana; Château L’Hôpital de Mignot; Château Meney; Château Plantier Rose.

Pauillac:

Château Grand Duroc Milon; Château Les Landes de Cach.

Saint-Julien:

Château Corconnac.

Listrac:

Château Fourcas Dumont; Château La Bécade; Château Lafon.

Moulis:

Château Bellegrave; Château Bergeron; Château Bouqueyran; Château Lestage Darquier; Château Maucaillou; Château Mauvesin.

Written by Jane Anson