premier cru

French · first growth

Premier cru is a Champagne label mention defined in the AOC specification for 42 further listed communes; the grand cru communes may also use it.1,2

Context

Under the older échelle des crus, premier cru villages were rated 90-99%, one step below the 100% of grand cru (17 communes).3,1

Like grand cru, the mention describes where the grapes grew, not how the wine was made. Champagne has 319 crus in all.4 See Champagne and the label rules on lieu-dit.

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

ChampagneRegionsgrand cruGlossaryéchelle des crusGlossarycruGlossarylieu-ditGlossary

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). Labeling
  4. Union des Maisons de Champagne (UMC). Geographical area

Facts checked on 2026-10-19