ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cru

n. countable
C2 Proficiency UK //kɹˈuː// cru

n. 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.


SIMPLE

The wine is made from grapes grown in a premier cru vineyard.

CONTEXTUAL

Collectors often pay a premium for bottles that specify the exact cru of the vineyard where the grapes were harvested.

COMPLEX

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.

Origin

Borrowed from French cru (“growth”), from French crû, past participle of French croître (“grow”).

© 2026 English Reference