The constant progression of the quality level of the “climats” of the appellation, recognized at the level of the best classified Burgundian “climats”, led the Board of Directors of the Union of Producers to initiate a process of recognition as 1er Cru, presented at the General Assembly of March 29, 2008. Documentary research on the history of the “climats”, a precise geological, pedological and topographical study of the appellation, a survey of all the producers, cultivation practices, economic data, tasting sessions and public meetings have been undertaken.

The Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité has 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.

Wines with the “Premier Cru” label can be fruitier, more powerful or more mineral, depending on the origin of the grapes. They require a longer ageing period to fully express their balance, length, intensity and complexity.