In Champagne, which is the higher ranking?

• A. Premier Cru.
• B. Village.
• C. Grand Cru.
• D. Second Cru.

Answer: (C)

Grand Cru is the top tier in Champagne’s village classification. Certain villages are designated Grand Cru because their terroir and conditions consistently produce the best grapes, and this status signals the highest quality within the Champagne system. Premier Cru sits just below, representing high-quality villages but not the very top tier, while Village (non-Cru) indicates grapes from villages without Cru status. The term Second Cru isn’t used in modern Champagne labeling, so it doesn’t represent a higher ranking. That’s why Grand Cru is the highest designation.