The ever-increasing quality of the appellation’s climats, recognized as being on a par with the best classified Burgundy climats, led the Board of Directors of the Union des Producteurs to initiate the process for recognition as a 1er Cru, presented at the General Meeting of March 29, 2008.
Documentary research into the history of the climats, a precise geological, pedological and topographical study of the appellation, a plot survey of all producers, cultivation practices, economic data, tasting sessions and public meetings were all undertaken.
The Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité approved the recognition of 22 climats as 1er crus.
They represent 24% of the AOC area, spread over the four communes of the appellation: Chaintré, Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly and Vergisson.
Premier Cru” wines express greater intensity.
They can be fruitier, more powerful or more mineral, depending on the origin of the grapes.
They require longer ageing to fully express their balance, length, intensity and complexity.