In Champagne, what is true about ranking: which entity is ranked?

• A. The vineyard.
• B. The winery.
• C. The estate.
• D. The village.

Answer: (D)

Champagne uses a crus system where the status is attached to the village (commune) where the grapes are grown. There are 17 Grand Cru villages and 44 Premier Cru villages, a reflection of the village’s terroir and historical reputation. This ranking is about the village itself, not a specific vineyard block, winery, or estate. Producers may own plots across multiple villages, but the official classification identifies the village rather than the individual vineyard or the winery.