The differences between Champagne Grand Cru and Champagne Premier Cru

The main difference between Champagne Grand Cru and Champagne Premier Cru lies in the classification of the villages of origin of the grapes . The villages of the Champagne region are classified according to the quality of the grapes they produce.

Only 17 villages hold the prestigious Grand Cru designation, while 44 villages are classified as Premier Cru. This classification is based on various factors, including terroir, climate, and the historical quality of the grapes produced.

Terroir and Quality of the Grapes

Grand Cru villages are recognized for having the best terroir conditions, which include calcareous soils excellent for viticulture and an ideal microclimate for ripening grapes.

Grapes from Grand Cru villages are considered to be of superior quality, which is often reflected in the complexity and depth of the wines produced.

Premier Cru villages, while offering excellent conditions, do not reach the level of excellence of Grand Crus, but still produce very high quality grapes.

Organoleptic characteristics

Grand Cru Champagnes are often characterized by greater complexity and aromatic depth than Premier Crus. They have a rich and varied bouquet, with notes of ripe fruit, spices, and a marked minerality. On the palate, they show a robust structure, a lively acidity balanced by a creamy texture, and a long persistence.

Premier Cru Champagnes , while high quality, tend to be slightly less complex than Grand Crus. They offer fresh and floral aromas, with notes of white fruit and citrus. On the palate, they stand out for the balance between freshness and creaminess, with a pleasant but often less marked persistence than Grand Crus.

Price and Prestige

Grand Cru Champagnes, due to their rarity and the superior quality of the grapes, tend to be more expensive and prestigious than Premier Crus. They are often considered the flagship of Champagne houses and are chosen for special occasions and celebrations.

Premier Cru Champagnes offer a high quality alternative, characterized by freshness and balance, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of occasions.

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut La Grâce d'Alphaël Philippe Glavier

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut La Grâce d'Alphaël Philippe Glavier

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 15%
50 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  66.67 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 58.90 € 
Lowest price: 58.90 € 
Only 6 left
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Spécial Club Paul Bara

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Spécial Club Paul Bara

0,75 ℓ, Gift box
France, Champagne
Discount 14%
101 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  134.67 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 118 € 
Lowest price: 118 € 
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2015 Damien Hugot

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2015 Damien Hugot

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 19%
59 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  78.67 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 73.50 € 
Lowest price: 73.50 € 
Champagne AOC Bouzy Grand Cru Réserve Brut Dom Basle Delavenne

Champagne AOC Bouzy Grand Cru Réserve Brut Dom Basle Delavenne

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 8%
46.60 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  62.13 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 51 € 
Lowest price: 51 € 
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Damien Hugot

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Damien Hugot

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 14%
42.20 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  56.27 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 49.20 € 
Lowest price: 49.20 € 
Champagne AOC Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant 2014 Larmandier-Bernier

Champagne AOC Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant 2014 Larmandier-Bernier

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
171 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  228 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Brut Grand Cru L'Intemporelle Millesime 2017 Mailly

Champagne AOC Brut Grand Cru L'Intemporelle Millesime 2017 Mailly

0,75 ℓ, Gift box
France, Champagne
Discount 11%
85 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  113.33 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 96 € 
Lowest price: 96 € 
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Nature La Grâce d'Alphaël Philippe Glavier

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Nature La Grâce d'Alphaël Philippe Glavier

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 14%
54.90 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  73.20 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 63.90 € 
Lowest price: 63.90 € 
Only 8 left
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Bouzy Brut Rosé Rose Marne Delavenne

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Bouzy Brut Rosé Rose Marne Delavenne

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 15%
50 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  66.67 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 58.90 € 
Lowest price: 58.90 € 
Only 10 left
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Grand Millésime 2016 Paul Bara

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Grand Millésime 2016 Paul Bara

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 10%
68.50 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  91.33 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 79.50 € 
Lowest price: 76.90 € 
Only 9 left
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Bouzy Brut Blanc de Noirs Aura de Marius 2014 Delavenne

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Bouzy Brut Blanc de Noirs Aura de Marius 2014 Delavenne

0,75 ℓ, Gift box
France, Champagne
Sale
123 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  164 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 129 € 
Lowest price: 129 € 
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Paul Bara

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Paul Bara

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 11%
59.90 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  79.87 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 67.90 € 
Lowest price: 67.90 € 
Only 12 left
Champagne AOC Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2015 Nicolas Feuillatte

Champagne AOC Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2015 Nicolas Feuillatte

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
56 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  74.67 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Only 9 left
Champagne AOC Le Mesnil Grand Cru Brut Les Coulmets 2016 Guy Charlemagne

Champagne AOC Le Mesnil Grand Cru Brut Les Coulmets 2016 Guy Charlemagne

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 14%
84.90 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  113.20 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 99 € 
Lowest price: 99 € 
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Paul Déthune

Champagne AOC Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Paul Déthune

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 14%
88.90 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  118.53 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 104 € 
Lowest price: 104 € 
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs 2015 De Saint Gall

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs 2015 De Saint Gall

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 19%
61 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  81.33 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 75.90 € 
Lowest price: 75.90 € 
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Bouzy Brut Reflet 2015 Delavenne

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Bouzy Brut Reflet 2015 Delavenne

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 13%
74 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  98.67 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 86.90 € 
Lowest price: 86 € 
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Rosé Brut Grand Cru Dea Matra Pierre Legras

Champagne AOC Rosé Brut Grand Cru Dea Matra Pierre Legras

0,75 ℓ, Gift box
France, Champagne
Discount 19%
65.90 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  87.87 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 81.50 € 
Lowest price: 81.50 € 
Only 8 left
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