Shaan Stevens,Cru Bourgeois Classification,Shaan Stevens-Cru Bourgeois Classification,Shaan Stevens-Cru Bourgeois Classification, Cru Bourgeois Classificationbr br While the Bordeaux wine classification systems can get pretty complicated at first glance, they start to spiral into some semblance of sanity with the Cru Bourgeois Classification, a single tier classification. This classification picks up many of the Left Bank reds that didn't make it into the 1855 Classification of Grand Cru Classés, highlighting estates that have a solid track record of quality production.br br Specific Appellations of Bordeauxbr br These are unclassified Bordeaux reds from a specific appellation. On the label you will see appellations simply designated as "Medoc," "Cotes de Blaye" or "Fronsac." These wines are typically a good bet for solid, value-driven Bordeaux.br br Wines Designated as "Bordeaux" and "Bordeaux Supérieur"br br Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur are the generic wines of Bordeaux and make up about 50 of the wines from the region. These wines may source grapes from all over the region and usually sell in the value wine category, with Bordeaux Supérieur priced on the higher end due to grapes sourced from older, more mature vines. The label designate will simply read, "Appellation Bordeaux Controlee." Perhaps the most well known example is Mouton Cadet, a very drinkable bargain Bordeaux typically selling around $8 a bottle.br br The District of Pomerolbr br Like a breath of fresh air, the Bordeaux district of Pomerol has avoided the complicated classification process. Wine labels will simply indicate "Appellation Pomerol Controlée." Merlot serves as the region's dominate grape varietal, producing wines with softer tannins, more forward fruit and ready to enjoy earlier than their Cab cousins. Pomerol is Bordeaux's smallest wine growing region, with production just over 5 million bottles. The most famous resident of Pomerol is Chateau Petrus, the celebrated maker of one of Bordeaux's most expensive red wines.