premier grand cru classé; pl premiers grands crus classés [preh-MYAY (preh-MEER) grahn kroo klah-SAY]
1. The French phrase for “first great classed growth.” 2. premier grand cru classé is the highest category for French wines classified in the appellation of saint-émilion as set forth in the 1953 classification (and later revised in 1969 and 1985). As of 1985, this status was given to eleven châteaux, which may label their wines “Premier grand cru classé.” 3. France’s first-growth (premier cru) wines of the Médoc and Sauternes may use “Premier grand cru Classé” on their labels.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.