The “Grand Cru” appellation is an emblematic term in the wine world, used to distinguish the highest quality vineyards. Its rich history dates back to the Middle Ages and has evolved to become an undisputed prestige brand in the field of wine. Let's discover the origin and evolution of this prestigious appellation.
Middle Ages and the Cistercians: The appearance of the “Grand Cru” appellation
The use of the term "Cru", which means "raw" or "harvest" in French, has its roots in the Middle Ages. At this time, Cistercian monks, renowned for their expertise in agriculture, played a decisive role. They began to classify the different plots of their vineyards based on the quality of the grapes they produced. Thus was born the notion of “Grand Cru”, identifying exceptional terroirs.
The Classification of 1855 (Bordeaux): A Historical Step
One of the key moments in the history of the "Grand Cru" appellation is the Classification of Grands Crus Classés of 1855 in Bordeaux, France. At the request of Napoleon III for the Universal Exhibition in Paris, the best wines from the Bordeaux region were classified according to their reputation and their price. Although based on the criteria of the time, this classification remains a major reference in the contemporary wine industry.
The Bordeaux region has a total of five classifications. In addition to that of 1855, we find the classification of Graves, Saint-Émilion, Crus Bourgeois du Médoc and Crus Artisans.
Burgundy: The Jewel of the Terroir
In Burgundy, the use of the “Grand Cru” appellation has its roots in centuries of history. The wines of this region are closely linked to their specific terroir. Plots classified as Grand Cru are considered the most exceptional in terms of quality and aging potential. Each Burgundy “Grand Cru” tells a unique story of terroir and viticultural excellence.
Champagne: The Stars of Effervescence
In Champagne, the "Grand Cru" appellation is awarded to villages with the best classified vineyards for the production of grapes used in the production of Champagne wines. These villages are evaluated based on the exceptional quality of their grapes. The “Grand Cru” of Champagne embody the sparkling elegance and refinement of this emblematic region.
Extension to Other Regions: A Brand of Global Excellence
Over time, other wine regions around the world adopted the term "Grand Cru" to distinguish their exceptional vineyards. Each region interprets this appellation in its own way, highlighting its own criteria and its wine history. Thus, new jewels of the wine industry have emerged, each bearing the seal of excellence.
In short, the “Grand Cru” appellation embodies official recognition of the excellence of a given terroir and the exceptional quality of the grapes produced there. It is a precious heritage that has evolved over the centuries, under the aegis of the expertise of winegrowers and the constant quest for excellence in the world of wine. Each sip of a “Grand Cru” is a tribute to this exceptional history.
Comments