grand cru

French · great growth

Grand cru is a Champagne label mention defined in the AOC specification for 17 listed communes.1,2,3

Context

Under the older échelle des crus, grand cru villages were rated 100%.4 The next tier, premier cru, covers 42 further communes, and the grand cru communes may also use that mention.1,2

The mention refers to the commune, not to a producer or a style. Out of 319 crus in Champagne, 17 hold it.3 Each grand cru village has its own page under Champagne.

On a Champagne label only a commune or a cadastral lieu-dit may be named; a commune outside the listed ones needs the wording "vigne de".1

See also

ChampagneRegionspremier cruGlossaryéchelle des crusGlossarycruGlossaryAyRegions

Sources

  1. Cahier des charges de l'AOC Champagne (homologated by arrêté of 30 Nov 2022; draft modification after INAO committee of 7 Sept 2023) (2023-09-07)
  2. DGCCRF (Ministère de l'Économie). Champagne : connaître le langage des étiquettes (2025-12-16)
  3. Union des Maisons de Champagne (UMC). Geographical area
  4. Union des Maisons de Champagne (UMC). Labeling

Facts checked on 2026-10-19