The Grands Crus of Burgundy

With one of the richest wine-growing histories in France, Burgundy owes its reputation to the centuries of work of Burgundian monks, dukes and winemakers, who have shaped a unique heritage, brought to the pinnacle by its famous Grands Crus de Bourgogne.

What is a Grand Cru Burgundy?

The Grands Crus represent the pinnacle of the Burgundy wine hierarchy, where terroirs are classified, unlike the Bordeaux classifications, which reward individual châteaux. A Grand Cru embodies the excellence that the land can offer for the vine. Unlike the Premiers Crus of Burgundy, which combine the name of their climat with that of their village (Gevrey Chambertin Clos Saint Jacques, for example), each Grand Cru constitutes an appellation in its own right.

Each Grand Cru of Burgundy is subject to very strict specifications, guaranteeing the quality of production for each vintage. Compliance with these criteria is essential to maintain the appellation’s status; otherwise, the winemaker may be forced or choose to downgrade their wine to Premier Cru.

A History of Terroir and Classification

The concept of terroir is central to the identity of Burgundy wines. The meticulous work of the winemakers, the nature of the soils, the exposure, and the grape varieties used (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) create an immense diversity of expressions. This specificity is reflected in the appellation system. Burgundy is a key region for French wines, with a quarter of the country’s Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC).

Burgundy wines are classified according to a strict hierarchy, ranging from regional appellations to Grands Crus. The latter represent the top of the pyramid. A Grand Cru comes from a specific vineyard plot, called a climat, whose reputation has long been established.

These plots are very limited in size, totaling only 1 to 2% of the Burgundy vineyard, which greatly contributes to their rarity and prestige. The 33 Grands Crus of Burgundy are found mainly in the regions of Chablis, Côte de Nuits, and Côte de Beaune.

The giants of the Côte d’Or

The Côte d’Or is the beating heart of Burgundy, a narrow strip of land that concentrates most of the region’s Grands Crus. It is divided into two parts: the Côte de Nuits, in the north, is the realm of Pinot Noir, where the world’s greatest red wines are born, from legendary terroirs like Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée. It is home to prestigious estates such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Armand Rousseau, and Domaine Leroy. To the south, the Côte de Beaune is the land of choice for Chardonnay, which produces white wines of unparalleled finesse and complexity. Its “giants” include the crus of Montagne de Corton and Montrachet, two names that inspire wine lovers around the world. The region’s flagship estates include Domaine des Comtes Lafon and Domaine Leflaive.

Tasting and aging potential

When tasted, a Grand Cru from Burgundy is a wine of great complexity, made to age.

• Red wines (Pinot Noir): Young, they are based on red and black fruit, with a marked tannic structure and acidity. With age, they develop aromas of undergrowth, truffle and spices, and the palate becomes silky and extraordinarily persistent.

• White wines (Chardonnay): When young, they offer notes of fresh fruit, citrus, and a beautiful minerality. As they age, their aromatic palette is enriched with notes of dried fruit, honey, and butter, while retaining a deep texture and a harmonious finish.

Their aging potential is exceptional, generally between 10 and 20 years, or even longer for the most prestigious vintages and climates. They need time to reveal all their finesse and richness.

Our selection

Denis Mortet 2005

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ARMAND ROUSSEAU Clos de Bèze 2008

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Domaine Georges Roumier 2016

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