Champagne Premier Cru AOC

The Champagne Premier Cru AOC is one of the most prestigious classifications within the appellation Champagne AOC, reserved for wines produced in villages (communes) that have obtained the mention Premier Cru according to the historic rating scale known as Échelle des Crus.

These are traditional method (méthode champenoise) sparkling wines from highly rated vineyards, though not at the very top (Grand Cru). They are expressions of great balance between freshness, elegance and aromatic complexity, recognised the world over as a byword for quality.

Production area

• Country: France

• Region: Champagne

• Villages classified as Premier Cru: about 40 municipalities, above all in the Montagne de Reims, in the Vallée de la Marne and in the Côte des Blancs

• Climate: continental with oceanic influences, cool and rainy

• Soils: chalky, limestone, with marl and sand — essential for minerality and freshness

Main grape varieties

• Pinot Noir

• Pinot Meunier

• Chardonnay

The Échelle des Crus system

• Grand Cru: 100%

• Premier Cru: 90–99%

• Autres crus: below 90%

Premier Cru villages have high (but not top) scores, guaranteeing an outstanding terroir.

Style and organoleptic characteristics

Recommended pairings

• Oysters, shellfish and seafood carpaccio

• Grilled fish or sushi

• Fresh and bloomy-rind cheeses (brie, camembert)

• Vitello tonnato, beef carpaccio

• Fruit tarts or dry desserts (in the Extra Dry or Dry dosage versions)

Why choose a Champagne Premier Cru

• To enjoy an experience of selected terroir without reaching the cost of the Grand Cru
• To appreciate finesse, balance and freshness typical of the best villages in Champagne
• To discover the identity of less famous but highly prestigious areas
• For sparkling wines with history, personality and international recognition