The French term means "first growth". It should be noted that this is used in several French classification systems with different meanings (rank) and is not always the first rank.
In the 1855 Bordeaux classification system for red wines from the Médoc, "Premier Cru" (also "Premier Grand Cru" or "Premier Grand Cru Classé") is the highest rank. For white wines from Barsac and Sauternes, on the other hand, it is second only to "Premier Cru Classé Supérieur". At the time, Château d'Yquem was the only winery to be awarded first place in the "Premier Cru Classé Supérieur" category due to its exceptional quality. The "Premier Grand Cru (Classé)" level in Saint-Émilion is the highest class there. Here, however, a distinction is made between "Premier Grand Cru Classé A" and "Premier Grand Cru Classé B".
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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)