French term for "first growth". This rank is used in several classification systems and often contributes to confusion. This is because it does not (as one might assume) mean the first rank in all of them.
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.
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Dominik Trick
Technischer Lehrer, staatl. geprüfter Sommelier, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg