Grand Cru

A Grand Cru is a term used to denote wines of the highest quality within a specific classification system. Originating in France, the term literally means “great growth” and is most famously associated with Burgundy and Bordeaux. In Burgundy, Grand Cru vineyards represent the pinnacle of terroir, with a tiny percentage of the region’s land dedicated to producing wines from these revered sites. Each Grand Cru vineyard is strictly delineated and carries a distinct identity tied to its geography.

In Bordeaux, the term is used differently, tied to classifications like the Médoc’s 1855 system or the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé rankings. Here, it can refer to estates rather than specific plots. Outside France, “Grand Cru” is sometimes adopted as a marketing term without the same regulatory significance, but in its truest sense, it remains a symbol of heritage, precision, and excellence.

Here are all the wines labeled Grand Cru that I’ve tried: