In the heart of the Burgundy vineyard, the Grands Crus have fascinated wine lovers around the world for generations. Their very names alone evoke excellence as well as expertise shaped by centuries of history.
Yet, their historical prestige alone does not fully explain their aura. What truly sets them apart? Why are they so rare and sought after? This article invites you to take a closer look at these exceptional terroirs.
Let's set off together to discover these elite terroirs!
Summary
History of the Burgundy Wine Classification
Burgundy is one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world and is celebrated for its exceptional wines, whether made from the Pinot Noir grape variety (for red wines) or from Chardonnay (for white wines).
Although the vine has been cultivated in the region since Gallo-Roman times, it was truly in the Middle Ages that the structuring of the terroirs of Burgundy really took shape. The monks, first Benedictines and then Cistercians, by carefully observing the soils, exposures, and microclimates, indeed laid the foundations for a methodical and rigorous organization of the vineyards. It was this meticulous work that led to the distinctions between the different plots.
Nevertheless, the word “Climat”, which in Burgundy refers to a precisely defined vineyard plot recognized for its unique characteristics (soil, microclimate, exposure, etc.), only truly appeared in the 16th century, at a time when the region was already renowned for the finesse of its wines.
In the 18th century, Burgundy’s wine region experienced a key stage in its recognition and organization. It was during this period that vineyards began to be mapped with precision, distinguishing the terroirs according to their quality and reputation.
The 19th century saw the rise of geological studies, such as those by Jules Lavalle, classifying vineyards even more precisely according to their quality and potential.
In 1936, the AOC system (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée) formalized this hierarchy, associating each climat with a specific appellation. Over the decades, new plots have been recognized, bringing the total number of climats today to 1,247. Among them, some are classified as Grands Crus, others as Premiers Crus, while others are simply distinguished as climats, without any particular hierarchy.
In 2015, the latter were also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing this unique model, the result of centuries of observation.
Organization of the Burgundy wine classification
After retracing the history of the climats, let us get to the heart of the matter to fully understand the place of the Grands Crus in Burgundy.
Thus, in Burgundy, the region's 84 appellations are divided into 4 hierarchical levels :
- Regional appellations : there are 7 of them and they form the base of the pyramid. These cover the entire vineyard, such as the AOC Bourgogne, Crémant de Bourgogne, or Coteaux Bourguignons.
- “Village” appellations : the region has 44 village AOCs. These represent the next level up and include more limited production areas, which are therefore often more consistent in terms of terroir, offering more distinctive characteristics. Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard, Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Pouilly-Fuissé are just a few examples.
- Premier Crus: these exceptional vineyards are part of the village appellations and represent about 10% of the Burgundy vineyard. There are about 640 plots classified as "Premier Cru" in the vineyard. Among the most well-known names, we can mention "Les Amoureuses" in Chambolle-Musigny, "Les Cazetiers" in Gevrey-Chambertin, and "Les Charmes" in Meursault.
- Grand Crus : here we reach the top of the pyramid: the top 1% of regional production. These rare terroirs number 33 and represent the quintessence of regional and even global wine production. Chambertin, Romanée-Conti, and Montrachet are among its illustrious members.
What is a Grand Cru?
As you will have understood, the 33 Grands Crus of Burgundy represent the elite of wines produced in the region and come from plots (or "climats") that are meticulously demarcated. The total area of the Grands Crus of Burgundy represents only 550 hectares out of the 29,000 in the region, a mere drop in the ocean!
Yet, the wines from these exceptional terroirs are the subject of true legend and are among the best in the world. These nectars are indeed renowned for their complexity, elegance, and their remarkable ability to age beautifully over time.
It should also be noted that of these 550 hectares, 356 are dedicated to Pinot Noir while 195 hectares are reserved for white wines made from Chardonnay.This small area, combined with a very high demand, contributes to strong speculation, resulting in bottles labeled "Grand Cru" now being sold at prices unaffordable for the average person.
List of the 33 Grands Crus of Burgundy
The 33 Burgundy Grands Crus are divided into 3 sectors.
The Chablis region
Chablis has one and only Grand Cru. Nevertheless, it is divided into 7 climats: Les Clos, Preuses, Bougros, Vaudésir, Grenouilles, Valmur, and Blanchot.
These plots, all located on the Chablis hillside, benefit from exceptional conditions allowing the production of outstanding white wines made exclusively from the Chardonnay grape variety.
From a terroir perspective, the Chablis Grands Crus are situated on Kimmeridgian soils, composed of limestone, marl, and marine fossils dating back to the Jurassic period. This unique soil gives the wines great minerality as well as pronounced aromas of gunflint and flint. The vines are also planted here on well-exposed slopes offering excellent drainage, giving the wines a great aromatic concentration.
Map of the Chablis vineyards
The Côte de Nuits: The great Pinot Noir terroirs
The 24 Grands Crus of the Côte de Nuits are especially famous for their red wines made exclusively from the Pinot Noir grape variety. In fact, among all these plots, only 1 Grand Cru produces both red and white wines (in small quantities): Musigny.
The Grands Crus of the Côte de Nuits are found on well-exposed clay-limestone soils, often located on slopes facing due east. These mineral-rich soils provide excellent drainage. The terroirs are varied, with specific microclimates contributing to the complexity of the wines, which are often rich and powerful, but also well-balanced.
Here is the list of the 24 Grand Cru Climats of the Côte de Nuits.
- Chambertin (Gevrey-Chambertin)
- Chambertin-Clos de Bèze (Gevrey-Chambertin)
- Chapelle-Chambertin (Gevrey-Chambertin)
- Charmes-Chambertin (Gevrey-Chambertin)
- Griotte Chambertin (Gevrey Chambertin)
- Latricières-Chambertin (Gevrey-Chambertin)
- Mazis-Chambertin (Gevrey-Chambertin)
- Mazoyères-Chambertin (Gevrey-Chambertin)
- Ruchottes-Chambertin (Gevrey-Chambertin)
- Clos de Vougeot (Vougeot)
- Musigny (Chambolle-Musigny)
- Bonnes-Mares (Chambolle-Musigny / Morey-Saint-Denis)
- Clos de la Roche (Morey-Saint-Denis)
- Clos Saint-Denis (Morey-Saint-Denis)
- Clos des Lambrays (Morey-Saint-Denis, near-monopoly of Domaine des Lambrays)
- Clos de Tart (Morey-Saint-Denis, monopoly of Domaine du Clos de Tart)
- Richebourg (Vosne-Romanée)
- La Romanée (Vosne-Romanée, monopoly of Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair)
- Romanée-Conti (Vosne-Romanée, monopoly of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti)
- Romanée-Saint-Vivant (Vosne-Romanée)
- La Grande Rue (Vosne-Romanée, monopole of Domaine François Lamarche)
- Échezeaux (Vosne-Romanée)
- Grands-Échezeaux (Vosne-Romanée)
- La Tâche (Vosne-Romanée, monopoly of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti)
On the Côte de Nuits, Pinot Noir reveals all its nobility
The Côte de Beaune: The great Chardonnay terroirs
South of the Côte de Nuits, between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Santenay, lies the Côte de Beaune. Unlike its sister, this one concentrates the great Chardonnay terroirs. In fact, among the 8 Grands Crus of the Côte de Beaune, the list of which you will find below, only the Grand Cru "Corton" produces red wines made from Pinot Noir; for the rest, only white wine can be produced within these exceptional terroirs.
The Grands Crus of the Côte de Beaune benefit from limestone and marl soils that allow for the cultivation of Chardonnay. The terroirs are also very diverse, with varied slopes and exposures.
- Corton (available in 10 climates - Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, Ladoix-Serrigny)
- Charlemagne (Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, Ladoix-Serrigny)
- Corton-Charlemagne (Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, Ladoix-Serrigny)
- Montrachet (Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet)
- Chevalier-Montrachet (Puligny-Montrachet)
- Bâtard-Montrachet (Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet)
- Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet (Puligny-Montrachet)
- Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet (Chassagne-Montrachet)
The most famous Grands Crus of Burgundy
Among all the Grands Crus listed above, certain names possess a particular aura. Let's review some of these terroirs that are known (at least by name) to everyone.
La Romanée-Conti: the most expensive and prestigious wine of Burgundy
It is impossible to talk about the Grands Crus of Burgundy without mentioning La Romanée-Conti, undoubtedly the most prestigious... and the most expensive terroir and wine in the entire region! This Grand Cru is renowned for its finesse, elegance, and aging potential. Only a few thousand bottles are produced each year... and they are snapped up at astronomical prices.
La Romanée-conti: one of the rarest treasures of Burgundy
Le Montrachet: The greatest Chardonnays in the world
Le Montrachet is considered the vineyard potentially producing the best Chardonnays in the world. This Grand Cru truly embodies near-perfection in white wine, offering exceptional cuvées with aromas of almonds, white flowers, and ripe fruits, as well as an impressive length on the palate. Divine!
Musigny, Chambertin and Clos de Vougeot: iconic terroirs
Grands Crus such as Musigny, Chambertin and Clos de Vougeot are also icons of Burgundy. Each climat here has its own history and unique characteristics.
The Chambertin, for example, produces some of the most famous red wines of Burgundy, with superb structure and great aromatic complexity. The Clos de Vougeot, with its 50 hectares, is the largest of the region’s Grands Crus. Finally, Musigny mainly produces Pinot Noirs of rare elegance, capable of aging for several decades while maintaining balance and subtlety.
Where to buy the best Grands Crus?
If you are a Grands Crus enthusiast from Burgundy and looking for exceptional wines, several wine estates stand out for their expertise and commitment to quality. Thus, beyond the iconic (and almost untouchable) Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, or Domaine Armand Rousseau, La Cave Éclairée has selected for you some magnificent properties.
For example, take an interest in the Grands Crus produced by Domaine Garnier & Fils in Chablis: mineral and deep white wines with superb balance!
Domaine Jacques Prieur is also an absolute must that will not disappoint you, with its great wines from Clos de Vougeot or its exceptional Corton-Charlemagne.
You are now ready to savor these treasures with all your new knowledge! It's your turn, and see you soon for more advice at La Cave Éclairée !
