Grand Cru

The term Grand Cru carries a sense of something truly exceptional and prestigious. In the context of wine classification, especially French wines, it denotes the highest possible level of quality, with these wines coming from the best vineyards in a given region. Although the rating system varies depending on the region, Grand Cru always symbolizes excellence.

In Bordeaux, the "Les Grand Crus Classés" (Bordeaux classification) system has existed since 1855. It is a highly prestigious wine classification created at the request of Napoleon III and includes the best wineries from the Médoc, Sauternes, and Graves regions. The wines are divided into five categories: Premier Cru (the highest level), Deuxième Cru, Troisième Cru, Quatrième Cru, and Cinquième Cru. Its stability and accuracy are evidenced by the fact that there have been only a few changes in the classification of individual châteaux in over 150 years. Inclusion in this classification signifies high quality and prestige worldwide.

Grand Cru is not exclusive to Bordeaux, however. This term is also used in other French wine regions, such as Burgundy, Chablis, and Alsace, where it denotes wines from vineyards with exceptional potential and permitted grape varieties.