What does Grand Cru mean in Bordeaux?
4 min read
Asked by: Kenny Sampson
In simple terms, a “Grand Cru” Bordeaux is a château that has been listed on one of several official classification systems. Bordeaux itself is divided into numerous geographical subzones, and most top subzones have a Grand Cru ranking of some kind. No classification covers the entire Bordeaux region.
How many grand crus are there in Bordeaux?
There are 16 Graves Grands Crus Classés in this classification, including both red and white wines, all of which are from within the Pessac-Leognan AOC.
What does Grand Cru Classe mean in Bordeaux?
Great Classified Growth
When we think of great wines, Bordeaux is often the appellation or the wines that come to mind. Bordeaux in fact has numerous prestigious châteaux that capture our imaginations. These wine estates, known and recognised by the wine world, carry the name Grand Cru Classé (Great Classified Growth).
What are the 5 grand cru Bordeaux?
There are five châteaux in Bordeaux that truly need no introduction. Known as the first growths, or the premier cru classés, they are Haut-Brion, Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Latour and Margaux.
Is grand cru or Premier Cru better?
Yet, its classification system is relatively simple. Grand Cru is the top dog, while the tier just below it is named Premier Cru. A cru in Burgundy designates a high-quality vineyard. Often, they’re split into parcels owned by different wineries or estates.
What makes a grand cru?
Grand Cru refers to a the quality of a particular vineyard and the terroir in which the grapes grow. It is the highest and most well-respected wine classification within the Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC), which is the governing board over the wines produced in Burgundy and Alsace, France.
How many grand crus are in St Emilion?
The classification comprises 18 Premiers grands crus classés and 64 Grands crus classés.
What does grand cru mean in St Emilion?
‘St Emilion Grand Cru’ is simply another St Emilion appellation, albeit one that covers the same geographical area. The 600 or so châteaux that use the term on their labels simply have to produce wines with 0.5% more alcohol and a slightly lower yield than basic St Emilion.
Is Grand Vin the same as grand cru?
“Grand Vin” and “Grand Cru” – Are they the same? Grand Vin is an unregulated term that any winery can use to identify their best wine offering. On the other hand, Grand Cru is a strictly regulated term.
What is St Emilion wine?
Saint-Émilion is most famous for its prestigious red wines, driven by Merlot. In fact, Saint-Émilion is the oldest active wine-producing appellation in the Bordeaux region, with a history dating back to the ancient Romans.
What means cuvée?
bulk wine
Definition of cuvée
1 : bulk wine especially : wine in casks or vats so blended as to ensure uniformity and marketability. 2 : a blend of still wines used in the production of champagne.
What are the 5 classifications of wine?
What’s In Your Glass? The Main Wine Categories
- Red Wine.
- White Wine.
- Rosé Wine.
- Sparkling Wine.
- Fortified Wine.
How are Bordeaux wines classified?
Simply, put, the best Bordeaux wines from the Left Bank were classed according to their price and quality in five different classes; First Growth, Second Growth, Third Growth, Fourth Growth and Fifth Growth. The sweet, white Bordeaux wine of Sauternes and Barsac were also classified in the same 1855 classification.
What are the Third Growths of Bordeaux?
There are 15 Châteaux in total that are ranked at the Third Growth level. The Third growths (Troisième Cru in French) provide excellent value to Bordeaux consumers. You are still getting classified wine without paying the extremely high premiums that you would pay for the first and second growths.
What is the most famous classification in Bordeaux?
the Médoc
Different quality classifications apply in various districts of Bordeaux. The most famous is the 1855 classification of the wines of the Médoc. Also applying to the Médoc is the Cru Bourgeois classification, introduced in 1932.
