cru
n. countablen. a specific area in the wine industry that is famous for producing high-quality grapes. It is a French word used to describe the best vineyards in a region.
n. a specific vineyard or wine-producing area in France, particularly in Burgundy, that is classified for its high quality. Often used in the context of wine classification to denote a specific plot of land.
The wine is made from grapes grown in a premier cru vineyard.
Collectors often pay a premium for bottles that specify the exact cru of the vineyard where the grapes were harvested.
The classification of a vineyard as a grand cru significantly impacts its market value, as it guarantees the terroir and historical reputation of the specific plot of land.
Borrowed from French cru (“growth”), from French crû, past participle of French croître (“grow”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 30, 2026