cru

Cru is a French term used in wine terminology to designate a vineyard, estate, or wine that is regarded as a distinct source of quality. The word itself relates to growth or a defined plot of land, and in practice its meaning can vary by region and tradition. In use, cru identifies a specific origin within a broader wine-producing area.

In French classifications, cru denotes a defined source and quality level. In Burgundy and the Loire, the phrases premier cru and grand cru refer to specific vineyards within a commune that are recognized for higher quality. In Bordeaux, the concept persists in historical and modern references to a château’s status as a producer of a particular cru, with terms such as cru bourgeois or the historically recognized crus classés. Across regions, a wine labeled as a cru is typically intended to indicate origin from a recognized source rather than from a generic geographic area.

Beyond strict classification, cru appears on labels to signal origin and producer responsibility for the wine. The term is also encountered as a proper noun in various, unrelated contexts, including branding, place names, and cultural products, where its meaning is not tied to wine terminology. Because usage and significance can differ by region and era, interpreting cru on a label is most reliable when considered alongside local labeling practices and appellation rules.