In the world of wine, the expressions Premier Cru and Grand Cru are synonymous with excellence. Used especially in France, these terms indicate wines that come from the most valuable and respected vineyards, whether located in the heart of Burgundy or in the historic villages of the Champagne region.

These classifications reflect the quality of the terroir, the winemaking tradition, and the wine’s aging potential. If you see “Cru” on a bottle, it means you are holding a wine that comes from a place with a solid reputation, where nature and human effort combine to create something truly special.

These terms are part of France’s official wine classification system called AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée). They are legally protected, but their meaning varies depending on the region.

Not all grand crus are equal or classified the same way

Only five French wine regions officially use the “Grand Cru” AOP designation:

• Champagne
• Bordeaux
• Burgundy
• Languedoc-Roussillon
• Alsace

Each region has its own criteria and classification system. In Burgundy, Grand Cru is an appellation in itself, applied to very small, specific vineyard plots. In Bordeaux, Grands Crus Classés are based on historic rankings, like the 1855 Classification initiated under Napoleon III.

In Burgundy (Still Wines – Pinot Noir & Chardonnay)

In Burgundy, Grand Cru and Premier Cru classify specific vineyard plots considered the best due to their soil, exposure, and microclimate.

Grand Cru

• The highest classification — only about 2% of Burgundy’s vineyards.
• The label shows only the vineyard name, for example Corton, Montrachet, Chambertin.
• Wines are powerful, complex, long-lived, and often expensive.

Example: Chablis Grand Cru is more structured and has greater aging potential than standard Chablis.

Premier Cru (1er Cru)

• One level below Grand Cru — about 12% of the region’s vineyards.
• The label shows the village name plus the vineyard, e.g., Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières.
• Wines are fine, elegant, often more affordable, and easier to enjoy young.

Grand Cru = the very best vineyards

Premier Cru = excellent vineyards, but not quite top tier

In Champagne

Here, these terms refer to entire wine-growing villages, not just individual vineyard plots.

Champagne Grand Cru

• Made from grapes that come 100% from the 17 Grand Cru villages such as Aÿ, Avize, Bouzy.
• Indicates exceptional fruit quality, used in luxury cuvées.
• Labeled Champagne Grand Cru.

Champagne Premier Cru

• Grapes come from 44 Premier Cru villages, scoring between 90–99% in the old quality rating system.
• Very good quality, but slightly below Grand Cru.
• Labeled Champagne Premier Cru.

Key difference in Champagne: It’s about the village classification, not the individual vineyard.

Are These Terms Used in Other Countries?

Surprisingly, only France uses these terms legally. However, other wine regions worldwide borrow the idea, either formally or for marketing purposes.

International examples:

• Germany uses terms like Grosses Gewächs (GG) or Erstes Gewächs via the private VDP association, similar to Grand and Premier Cru.
• Italy has no official classification, but famous plots (e.g., Cannubi in Barolo) are unofficially considered “Grand Cru.”
• Spain also lacks Grand/Premier Cru but Rioja and Priorat have Viñedo Singular labels for top vineyards.
• The USA doesn’t use these terms officially, but famous vineyards (e.g., To Kalon in Napa) are considered “Grand Cru” symbolically by enthusiasts.
• Australia and New Zealand don’t use such classifications either, though some historic vineyards are informally regarded as “Grand Cru.”

Outside France, these terms may be used without regulation, so it’s good to check the wine’s origin to understand what they really mean.

Grand Cru and Premier Cru are two short expressions but carry huge significance, especially in France. They reflect the quality of the terroir, vineyard, or village, and serve as value indicators for enthusiasts and collectors.