Premier Cru

Premier Cru sits directly below Grand Cru and covers roughly 10% of Burgundy's vineyard area — 640 named plots, against just 33 Grand Crus in the Côte d'Or.

Why this is often the sweet spot

Grand Cru prices have moved far beyond what the wine in the glass can justify for most people. Premier Cru has not — or at least not to the same degree. A top Premier Cru from a serious grower will regularly outperform a Grand Cru from an indifferent one, at a fraction of the price.

How to read the label. A Premier Cru shows the village then the vineyard: Meursault 1er Cru Perrières, Beaune 1er Cru Clos de la Mousse. If it says only the village and "1er Cru" with no vineyard name, it is a blend of several Premier Cru plots — perfectly legitimate, usually cheaper.

The rule that matters. In Burgundy, the grower's name is at least as important as the vineyard's. Buy the producer first, the classification second.

Grand Cru · All Burgundy

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