Grand Cru
/grahn KROO/The highest vineyard classification in Burgundy and Alsace.
Full Definition
Grand Cru ('great growth') is the top vineyard classification in Burgundy and Alsace. In Burgundy, 33 Grand Cru vineyards produce wines labeled only with the vineyard name, no village. In Alsace, 51 Grand Cru sites exist for specified grape varieties. The term is used differently in Champagne (village rating) and Bordeaux (estate ranking).