Château Haut-Bailly 2020 x 6 5143789A

Grand Cru is the highest classification level in the French wine hierarchy, signifying vineyards of exceptional quality and prestige, particularly in regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace, and Champagne. In Burgundy, the term refers specifically to the finest vineyard sites, often located on prime slopes with ideal exposure, drainage, and soil composition. Grand Cru wines make up only a small fraction of production but are renowned for their complexity, concentration, and aging potential. Unlike lower classifications, Burgundy Grand Cru wines are labeled solely with the vineyard name—such as Grands Échézeaux or Le Chambertin—without the village name, emphasizing their elite status. In Bordeaux, Grand Cru can refer to classified estates rather than specific vineyard plots, as seen in the 1855 Médoc classification or the Saint-Émilion ranking system. Regardless of the region, Grand Cru designates wines that consistently demonstrate the highest level of terroir expression, craftsmanship, and longevity.