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 Ambonnay Brut Nature 2018 Marguet

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Ambonnay Brut Nature 2018 Marguet

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
114 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  152 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Les Crayères Brut Nature 2019 Marguet

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Les Crayères Brut Nature 2019 Marguet

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
127 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  169.33 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru La Côte aux Enfants 2013 Bollinger

Champagne AOC Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru La Côte aux Enfants 2013 Bollinger

0,75 ℓ, Wooden box
97
97
1,359 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  1,812 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Only 1 left
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger Coeur de Terroir 2009 Pascal Doquet

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger Coeur de Terroir 2009 Pascal Doquet

0,75 ℓ
95
145 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  193.33 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Millesime 2016 Mailly

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Millesime 2016 Mailly

0,75 ℓ
93
Sale
57 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  76 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 65 € 
Lowest price: 57 € 
Champagne AOC Brut Grand Cru Rosé de Mailly

Champagne AOC Brut Grand Cru Rosé de Mailly

0,75 ℓ
90
Sale
58 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  77.33 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 65.50 € 
Lowest price: 57 € 
Only 10 left
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Diapason Pascal Doquet

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut Diapason Pascal Doquet

0,75 ℓ
91
91
Discount 18%
67.50 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  90 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 83 € 
Lowest price: 83 € 
Only 2 left
Champagne AOC Brut Chouilly Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Coste Beert Pierre Legras

Champagne AOC Brut Chouilly Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Coste Beert Pierre Legras

Magnum 1,5 ℓ
93
Discount 15%
109 €
per bottle  (1,5 ℓ)  72.67 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 129 € 
Lowest price: 129 € 
Free shipping
Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru AOC Réserve Guy Charlemagne

Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru AOC Réserve Guy Charlemagne

0,75 ℓ
91
92
Sale
53.50 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  71.33 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 56 € 
Lowest price: 56 € 
Only 3 left
Champagne Brut Rosé Grand Cru AOC H. Goutorbe

Champagne Brut Rosé Grand Cru AOC H. Goutorbe

0,75 ℓ
90
90
Discount 14%
57 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  76 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 66.90 € 
Lowest price: 66.90 € 
Only 1 left
Champagne AOC Brut Grand Cru L'Intemporelle Millesime 2014 Mailly

Champagne AOC Brut Grand Cru L'Intemporelle Millesime 2014 Mailly

0,75 ℓ
95.90 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  127.87 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Free shipping
Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru AOC Mesnillésime 2014 Guy Charlemagne

Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru AOC Mesnillésime 2014 Guy Charlemagne

0,75 ℓ
Sale
124 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  165.33 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 136 € 
Lowest price: 124 € 
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Rosé Grand Cru Brut Collery

Champagne AOC Rosé Grand Cru Brut Collery

0,75 ℓ
90
Discount 18%
61.90 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  82.53 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 76.50 € 
Lowest price: 76 € 
Only 6 left
Champagne AOC Extra Dry Chouilly Grand Cru Monographie Pierre Legras

Champagne AOC Extra Dry Chouilly Grand Cru Monographie Pierre Legras

0,75 ℓ
92
91
Sale
63 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  84 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 78 € 
Lowest price: 63 € 
Only 6 left
Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Le Village 2015 Secondé-Simon

Champagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Le Village 2015 Secondé-Simon

0,75 ℓ, Gift box
Discount 14%
126 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  168 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 148 € 
Lowest price: 148 € 
Free shipping
Champagne AOC Réserve Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Saintgybryen

Champagne AOC Réserve Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Saintgybryen

Magnum 1,5 ℓ
France, Champagne
Sale
64.90 €
per bottle  (1,5 ℓ)  43.27 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 92.90 € 
Lowest price: 64.90 € 
Champagne AOC Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Damien Hugot

Champagne AOC Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Damien Hugot

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
Discount 15%
44.90 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  59.87 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
Was: 52.90 € 
Lowest price: 52.90 € 
Champagne AOC Nature Grand Cru 2016 Georges Vesselle

Champagne AOC Nature Grand Cru 2016 Georges Vesselle

0,75 ℓ
France, Champagne
64.90 €
per bottle  (0,75 ℓ)  86.53 €/ℓ
incl. VAT and taxes
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