What does Premier Cru Mean in French Wine?
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.The French wine classification system is renowned for its complexity and prestige. One of the most prestigious designations within this system is “Premier Cru,” which denotes a specific type of French wine. Understanding the significance of Premier Cru can provide valuable insight into the nuances and quality hierarchy of the renowned wines of France.
“Premier Cru” is a French term that translates to “First Growth” in English. It is commonly used in the context of wine, particularly in the classification of vineyards in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and other wine-producing regions.
In Bordeaux, the term “Premier Cru” is associated with the highest quality vineyards and is part of the classification system for the region’s wines. The Bordeaux classification includes Premier Cru Classé (First Growth) estates, which are considered the top-tier vineyards.
In Burgundy, “Premier Cru” refers to specific vineyard sites that are considered to produce wines of superior quality. These vineyards are ranked just below the Grand Cru vineyards, which are the highest classification in Burgundy.
