The elite terroirs of Champagne
Premier Cru Champagnes come from 44 villages classified between 90% and 99% on the Cru quality scale, representing territorial excellence second only to the 17 Grand Crus. This classification, based on the historical quality of the grapes and the characteristics of the terroirs, identifies communes with an extraordinary wine-growing vocation, distributed throughout the region's various sub-zones. From the Vallée de la Marne with villages such as Cumières and Dizy, to the Montagne de Reims with Villers-Marmery and Tauxières, to the Côte des Blancs with Cuis and Vertus, the Premier Crus offer an extraordinary diversity of soil and climate that translates into wines with a distinctive and recognisable personality, an authentic expression of privileged territories that combine optimal geological and microclimatic conditions.
A sensory profile of refined complexity
The organoleptic character of Premier Cru Champagnes strikes a fascinating balance between finesse and structure, offering greater aromatic complexity than unclassified Crus but with more immediate accessibility than the more austere Grand Crus. Chardonnay-based Premier Crus, particularly those from the southern Côte des Blancs, express elegant notes of citrus, white flowers and an enveloping chalky minerality, while those predominantly Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims reveal more full-bodied profiles with hints of red fruits, spices and a more pronounced structure. Ageing on the lees, generally prolonged beyond the legal minimum, develops secondary aromatic complexities of pastries, dried fruit and honey that blend harmoniously with the freshness of the fruit and the territorial imprint.
Between tradition and contemporary interpretations
Our selection explores the wide range of Premier Cru Champagnes, from the classic interpretations of the great Maisons that use these villages in their prestigious blends, to the more territorial expressions of independent vignerons who highlight individual communes or even specific parcels within the Premier Crus. Particularly interesting are the mono-crus that express the pure identity of villages such as Vertus, Cumières or Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, each with its own distinctive and recognisable character. These Champagnes represent a perfect balance between accessibility and prestige, offering complex and refined sensory experiences at a price that is often more affordable than Grand Crus. From Brut Sans Année versions to Millesimati and special cuvées, Premier Cru Champagnes testify to the incredible richness and diversity of the region, representing an unmissable opportunity for enthusiasts eager to explore Champagne's excellence through its most distinctive and expressive terroirs.
