Quelle est la principale distinction entre Premier Cru et Grand Cru ?

La distinction entre Grand Cru et Premier Cru repose sur la qualité des cépages, les conditions naturelles, et l'origine géographique des vignobles. Les Grands Crus représentent les meilleurs terroirs de Bourgogne, offrant une qualité supérieure due à des conditions naturelles optimales. Les Premiers Crus sont également de haute qualité, mais sont légèrement en dessous des Grands Crus.

Quelle est l'importance de la zone géographique dans la classification des Crus ?

La zone géographique est cruciale pour la classification des Crus. En Bourgogne, chaque village ou appellation a des conditions naturelles spécifiques (comme le sol, l'exposition au soleil, et le climat) qui influencent la qualité du vin. Les Grands Crus proviennent des meilleurs vignobles, souvent situés sur des coteaux bien exposés, comme ceux de la Côte de Nuits.

Quels types de vins peut-on trouver sous les appellations Premier Cru et Grand Cru ?

Les appellations Premier Cru et Grand Cru incluent principalement des vins rouges et blancs. Les Grands Crus sont souvent associés à des vins rouges de la Côte de Nuits, tandis que les Premiers Crus peuvent inclure des vins blancs, notamment à base de Chardonnay. Les vins blancs moelleux peuvent également être trouvés sous ces appellations.

Quel est le rôle de l'appellation d'origine protégée (AOP) dans ces classifications ?

L'appellation d'origine protégée (AOP) garantit l'origine géographique et la qualité des vins. En Bourgogne, les Grands Crus et Premiers Crus bénéficient d'une AOP qui protège leur nom et leur réputation à travers le monde, assurant que seuls les vins provenant des zones géographiques spécifiées peuvent utiliser ces appellations.

Qu'est-ce qu'un "Cru" en Bourgogne ?

Un "Cru" est un terme utilisé dans la production bourguignonne pour indiquer la qualité et l'origine géographique d'un vin. Les "crus" se divisent principalement en deux catégories : Premier Cru et Grand Cru, chacun offrant un niveau de qualité distinct basé sur des critères géographiques et naturels spécifiques.

What's the difference between Premier Cru and Grand Cru?

Generally speaking, each major wine-growing region has its own classification with its own specific characteristics. The title "Grand Cru" is the highest possible distinction awarded to AOC wines among the great French vineyards. It is the most prestigious distinction available for a wine. To obtain it, wines must respect certain harvesting and production rules, and be located in very specific geographical areas.

In Burgundy, there are 33 appellations in the "Grand Cru" category , including one or more of the best-known parcels: Romanée Conti, Chambertin, Montrachet, Musigny, and so on. They represent 1.5% of total Burgundy wine production.
In Champagne, 17 communes reserve this distinction for their grapes, enabling the production of these prestigious cuvées.
In Bordeaux, the wines benefit from an even more advanced classification, and today include no fewer than 145 estates producing "Grands Crus ".

- Classification of Bordeaux wines :

The Garonne River runs through the Bordeaux vineyards. There are 2 sub-regions, each with its own classification system, commonly referred to as "Rive Droite" or "Rive Gauche", depending on whether you are on the right or left bank of the river, looking towards the mouth. On the left bank are the wines of the Médoc, and on the right bank the wines of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol.

Classification of 1855: This was the first classification drawn up under the reign of Napoleon III at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1855, and has been used ever since to rank the many wines produced in the Médoc. Today, it includes 61 " Grands Crus Classés " (GCC) Châteaux, and is broken down into 5 sub-categories ranging from "Premiers Grands Crus Classés"(1st GCC) to "Cinquième Grands Crus Classés" (5th GCC).
Wines are ranked in order of price, with Premiers Grands Crus representing the most expensive wines.

The Saint-Emilion wine classification only appeared in 1955, and now includes 85 " Grands Crus Classés " Châteaux, 14 of which are " Premiers Grands Crus Classés ", themselves broken down into 2 hierarchical sub-categories, "Classé A" and "Classé B".
Historically, there have been 4 " Grands Crus Classés A " (GCC A) and 12 " Grands Crus Classés B" (GCC B). On today's market, it is estimated that there is an equivalence between the 2 official Bordeaux classifications, placing the 1er Grands Crus Classés of 1855 at roughly the same level as the 1er Grands Crus Classés A of Saint-Emilion.

Finally, in Pomerol, there is no official classification. The entire appellation is of controlled origin, and does not award an official " Grand Cru " label, which is based on very specific rules and legislation, as is the case for other Bordeaux grands vins.

- Classification of Burgundy wines:

Unlike Bordeaux, which began officially classifying châteaux and domaines (i.e. estates) in 1855, Burgundy decided to classify terroirs (i.e. geographical areas). It was from this classification that the INAO (Institut Nationale des Appellation d'Origine, or more commonly "Institut Nationale de l'Origine et de la Qualité") regulations were born. Winegrowers operating in these geographical areas must then comply with a set of specifications with a certain level of requirements to obtain, in order of quality, one of these 3 labels:

Grand Cru (around 1.5% of Burgundy wine production), categorizing Burgundy's most prestigious wines

Premier Cru (10%)

Village (37%)

You'll find all the details on the excellent Burgundy wine website: Classification Bourguignonne summarizing these official regulations.

- Champagne classification:

Champagne wines follow the same classification rules as Burgundy, but with their own specific technical and specification requirements. The classification of fine wines and champagnes has a strong influence on their market value. It is the primary price factor in Burgundy and Champagne.

What is the main distinction between Premier Cru and Grand Cru?
The distinction between Grand Cru and Premier Cru is based on the quality of the grape varieties, the natural conditions, and the geographical origin of the vineyards. Grands Crus represent the best terroirs in Burgundy, offering superior quality due to optimal natural conditions. The Premiers Crus are also of high quality, but are slightly below the Grands Crus.

What is the importance of geographical area in the classification of Crus?
Geographical area is crucial to the classification of Crus. In Burgundy, each village or appellation has specific natural conditions (such as soil, sun exposure and climate) that influence the quality of the wine. Grands Crus come from the best vineyards, often located on well-exposed slopes, such as those on the Côte de Nuits.

What types of wine can be found under the Premier Cru and Grand Cru appellations?
Premier Cru and Grand Cru appellations mainly include red and white wines. Grands Crus are often associated with red wines from the Côte de Nuits, while Premiers Crus can include white wines, notably Chardonnay-based. Sweet white wines can also be found under these appellations.

What role does the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) play in these classifications?
The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) guarantees the geographical origin and quality of wines. In Burgundy, Grands Crus and Premiers Crus benefit from an AOP which protects their name and reputation worldwide, ensuring that only wines from specified geographical areas can use these appellations.

What is a "Cru" in Burgundy?
A "Cru" is a term used in Burgundy production to indicate the quality and geographical origin of a wine. Cru" wines are divided into two main categories: Premier Cru and Grand Cru, each offering a distinct level of quality based on specific geographical and natural criteria.