Premier Cru is a French term used in viticulture and the wine industry to denote a classification level of vineyards or wine regions, indicating high quality and prestige. Premier Cru is one of the most important classifications in French wine, with a long history and a well-defined set of rules and regulations.
The term Premier Cru, which translates to “first growth” or “first cru” in English, is used to describe vineyards or wine regions that are considered to be of exceptional quality, but not quite at the level of the very top tier, known as Grand Cru. The Premier Cru classification is based on a variety of factors, including the vineyard’s location, soil, climate, grape varieties grown, and the history and reputation of the winery.
In France, the classification of vineyards and wine regions has a long history, dating back to the 19th century when the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 was created. This classification, which was based on the prices wines fetched at the time, divided Bordeaux wines into five categories, with the first category being the most prestigious and valuable. This system of classification was adopted by other French wine regions and remains in use today, with modifications and updates made over time.
In Burgundy, the Premier Cru classification was established in the early 20th century and has been refined over time. The Burgundy region, located in eastern France, is known for producing some of the world’s most sought-after and expensive wines. The region is divided into a complex system of vineyards, each with its own unique characteristics, history, and regulations.
The Premier Cru classification in Burgundy is based on a vineyard-by-vineyard basis, rather than a region-wide classification like the Bordeaux system. This means that each Premier Cru vineyard has its own set of regulations and quality standards, and not all vineyards within a single village or region will have the Premier Cru classification. The classification is determined by a government-appointed commission, which evaluates each vineyard based on factors such as the slope, soil type, sun exposure, and grape varieties grown.
There are over 600 Premier Cru vineyards in Burgundy, spread across the region’s numerous villages and sub-regions. Some of the most famous Premier Cru vineyards include Les Amoureuses in Chambolle-Musigny, Les Clos in Chablis, and Les Perrières in Meursault. These vineyards produce wines that are highly sought-after by collectors and wine enthusiasts around the world, and command high prices at auction and in the marketplace.
In addition to Burgundy, the Premier Cru classification is used in other French wine regions, including Champagne, Alsace, and the Loire Valley. Each region has its own set of rules and regulations for determining Premier Cru status, but the overall concept remains the same: to identify and promote the highest quality vineyards and wines.
Outside of France, the Premier Cru classification is not used as widely, but some wine regions have adopted similar systems. For example, in Germany, some vineyards are classified as “Erstes Gewächs,” which translates to “first growth” or “premier cru.” In Italy, the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) system includes a category called “Riserva,” which is similar in concept to Premier Cru.
In summary, Premier Cru is a term used in the wine industry to denote vineyards or wine regions of exceptional quality and prestige, just below the top tier of Grand Cru. The term has its origins in France, where it has been used for over a century in regions such as Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace, and the Loire Valley. The Premier Cru classification is based on a variety of factors, including the vineyard’s
Wine is sunlight, held together by water.”- Galileo Galilei
