Burgundy Wine Classification System

Understanding Burgundy's unique classification system is key to uncovering the region's best bottles. Burgundy organizes its wines into four main tiers, each reflecting a different level of quality and specificity.

Grand Cru—The pinnacle of Burgundy wine, Grand Cru wines come from the region's most exceptional vineyard sites. Only about 1% of Burgundy's total production earns this designation. These wines showcase remarkable complexity, age-worthiness and a true sense of place. Labels will clearly state the Grand Cru vineyard name—think "Montrachet" or "Romanée-Conti."
Premier Cru—Just below Grand Cru in the hierarchy, Premier Cru wines are produced from special sites, or "climats," within a particular village. These wines offer standout quality and unique character, often representing stellar value for serious wine lovers. Bottles are marked with both the village and the Premier Cru climat name, such as "Meursault Premier Cru Les Charmes."
Village Wines—Sourced from vineyards within a single village, these wines express the general style and character of their commune. While less exclusive than Premier or Grand Cru, Village wines can be fantastic everyday bottles, offering a classic Burgundy experience at a friendly price. Expect labels featuring the village name, like "Gevrey-Chambertin" or "Mâcon-Villages."
Regional Wines—The broadest category, Regional wines are made from grapes grown anywhere within Burgundy. Labeled as "Bourgogne Rouge" (red) or "Bourgogne Blanc" (white), these approachable selections tend to be fresh, lively and perfect for casual sipping or as an introduction to the region.

Knowing these classifications helps you navigate Burgundy's labels and confidently discover the quality and style you desire—from everyday pours to once-in-a-lifetime treasures.