Burgundy Classification System

Question 1

How is Burgundy’s classification system organized?

Answer 1

By vineyard, not producer

Question 2

What are the 4 tiers of Burgundy classification (top to bottom)?

Answer 2

Grand Cru, Premier Cru (1er Cru), Village, Regional

Question 3

What is Grand Cru in Burgundy?

Answer 3

The highest quality vineyards (just ~1% of production)

Question 4

What is Premier Cru in Burgundy?

Answer 4

Excellent vineyards just below Grand Cru (~10% of production)

Question 5

What does Village wine in Burgundy mean?

Answer 5

Wine from a specific village with no Premier or Grand Cru designation

Question 6

What are Regional wines in Burgundy?

Answer 6

Entry-level wines labeled as Bourgogne AOC or Bourgogne Pinot Noir/Chardonnay

Question 7

How is a Premier Cru Burgundy labeled?

Answer 7

Village + vineyard name + “Premier Cru”

Question 8

How is a Grand Cru Burgundy labeled?

Answer 8

Only the vineyard name (e.g., “Le Montrachet”)

Question 9

What are Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune?

Answer 9

Two key areas of the Côte d’Or (famous for red and white Burgundy)

Question 10

Which grape is dominant in red Burgundy?

Answer 10

Pinot Noir

Question 11

Which grape is dominant in white Burgundy?

Answer 11

Chardonnay