In the «AOC Champagne», the vines from which champagne is made are grown in 319 villages and communes. These are rated on a scale of 80 to 100; they differ in terms of soil quality, microclimate, location, etc.
«Grand Crus» receive the highest rating of 100 and «Premier Crus» must achieve a rating between 90 and 99 to achieve this status. Thus, the «Grand Cru» is the higher quality rated champagne than the «Premier Cru».
The grape variety is decisive for the designation as «Premier Cru» or «Gand Cru». Only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes can be designated «Grand Premier Cru», but all grapes must also come from such declared communes. However, different crus (with the correct status) can also be blended, i.e. not 100% from grapes of a certain crus, in order to be declared as «Grand Cru» or «Premier Cru».
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