Premier Cru (French for "first growth") is a classification one tier below Grand Cru, designating second-tier quality vineyard sites. In Burgundy, Premier Cru parcels are well-regarded but less prestigious than Grand Cru. In Bordeaux, "Premier Cru Classé" is the highest classification for estates (far more prestigious than Burgundy's Premier Cru). Premier Cru wines offer excellent quality at lower prices than Grand Cru, making them attractive for collectors seeking value. Quality variation between Premier Cru sites can be significant; some Premier Cru parcels rival Grand Cru quality.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR COLLECTORS
Premier Cru wines offer excellent quality-to-price ratio compared to Grand Cru. Some top Premier Cru parcels rival Grand Cru in quality. Understanding regional classification nuances helps identify premium wines and value.
Tasting cues
- Premier cru (1er cru) sits below grand cru in Burgundy’s vineyard ladder, above village wine.
- Often the sweet spot for quality vs price when grand cru is out of reach.
- Site and producer still dominate — a great 1er can outclass a careless grand cru.
Examples
- Puligny-Montrachet 1er cru Les Pucelles, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Clos Saint-Jacques, etc.
- Chablis premier cru vineyards (e.g. Montée de Tonnerre) are collector staples.
Cellar actions
- Build verticals of a favourite 1er before stretching into every grand cru label.
- Store structured white and red 1ers cool; many improve for a decade or more.
Related terms
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