Cru Classé

Cru Classé means “classified growth” or “classified estate” in French wine terminology. It refers to an estate, vineyard or wine that belongs to a formal classification system. The meaning depends on the region: Bordeaux has several distinct classifications, while Burgundy uses vineyard classifications such as Premier Cru and Grand Cru. There is no single universal Cru Classé ranking that applies across France.

Major Bordeaux classifications

• 1855 Classification: ranks selected Médoc red-wine châteaux into five growths and classifies Sauternes and Barsac sweet-wine estates separately.
• Graves Classification: classifies estates in Graves for red and/or white wines.
• Saint-Émilion Classification: uses its own classification system for qualifying estates, with categories and review periods that have changed over time.

Meaning in other regions

In Burgundy, Premier Cru and Grand Cru classify vineyard sites rather than simply ranking a château. In Provence, Cru Classé is used for a specific classification of estates. The phrase must therefore be interpreted in the context of the region and the relevant classification rules.

Example: a Bordeaux label may identify a château as Grand Cru Classé under the 1855 or Graves classification, while a Burgundy label may identify a specific Premier Cru vineyard.

Cru Classé versus Grand Cru

Cru Classé is a broad term for a classified estate or growth under a particular system. Grand Cru is a specific term whose meaning and legal status vary by region and appellation.

Chef’s tip: record the region and the classification system when describing a Cru Classé wine. The words alone do not tell the guest which ranking applies.