grand cru
Elite vineyard classification
Grand cru is a French wine classification marking the highest quality vineyards, literally "great growth." In Burgundy, it designates specific plots producing the region's finest wines; in Bordeaux, it ranks estates.
The term appears on labels to signal prestige and commands premium prices: a grand cru Chablis, the grand cru vineyards of Burgundy.
French winemaking region
- BordeauxFrench port and vineyard area
- AlsaceNortheastern French region
- ChablisBurgundy's steely Chardonnay appellation
- SauternesFrench dessert wine appellation
Côtes du Rhône · Loire · Mosel · Barolo
Grape-growing estate
- domaineFrench wine estate
- châteauFrench country mansion
- estateProperty and grounds
- viticultureGrape-growing science
harvest · winemaker · cellar · barrel · fermentation · aging · bottling · négociant
Name or title given
- designationFormal name or title
- rankingOrdered position assignment
- AOCOrigin designation abbreviation
- statusOne's relative position
Ground matter for planting
- climatePrevailing atmospheric conditions
- microclimateLocalized atmospheric zone
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- drainageLiquid removal system
slope · altitude · exposure · chalk · limestone · clay · granite · expression
Superior select group
- exclusiveLimited to one group
- renownedWidely known and esteemed
- luxuryExpensive nonessential comfort
- covetedGreatly desired by many
premium · celebrated · exceptional · distinguished · sought-after · collector · auction · rare
Red grape, light-bodied wine
- ChardonnayFrench white wine grape
- RieslingGermanic aromatic white varietal
- GewürztraminerAromatic white wine variety
- MerlotBordeaux red grape
Cabernet Sauvignon · Pinot Gris · Pinot Blanc · Gamay · old vines · varietal · clone
Burgundy
French winemaking region
- BordeauxFrench port and vineyard area
- AlsaceNortheastern French region
- ChablisBurgundy's steely Chardonnay appellation
Sauternes · Côtes du Rhône · Loire · Mosel · Barolo
vineyard
Grape-growing estate
viticulture · harvest · winemaker · cellar · barrel · fermentation · aging · bottling · négociant · grower
appellation
Name or title given
- designationFormal name or title
- rankingOrdered position assignment
- AOCOrigin designation abbreviation
status · label · regulation · hierarchy · classification system
soil
Ground matter for planting
- climatePrevailing atmospheric conditions
- microclimateLocalized atmospheric zone
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
drainage · slope · altitude · exposure · chalk · limestone · clay · granite · expression · geology
elite
Superior select group
coveted · premium · celebrated · exceptional · distinguished · sought-after · collector · auction · rare · investment
Pinot Noir
Red grape, light-bodied wine
- ChardonnayFrench white wine grape
- RieslingGermanic aromatic white varietal
- GewürztraminerAromatic white wine variety
Merlot · Cabernet Sauvignon · Pinot Gris · Pinot Blanc · Gamay · old vines · varietal · clone
bouquet
Arranged cluster of blooms
- aromaPleasant distinctive smell
- tanninsAstringent plant compounds
- complexityState of being complicated
balance · finish · body · acidity · depth · richness · nuance · palate · structure · length
grand crutable wine
Ordinary mealtime bottle
plonk · jug wine · house wine · box wine · cooking wine
grand, grandeur, grandiose, grandest, grander, grandiosity, grands, grandness, cru