Quick answer Burgundy has four quality levels: regional (Bourgogne), village, premier cru and grand cru. Grand cru is the top tier, with 33 appellations, and its labels show only the vineyard name.
Burgundy ranks vineyards, not producers: the quality level belongs to the land. That is why two bottles from the same village can have very different prices, and why understanding the pyramid helps you choose.
Key takeaways
- Four levels: regional, village, premier cru, grand cru.
- Premier cru is a designation within village appellations, not a separate appellation.
- Grand cru labels show the vineyard name only.
What are the four levels of Burgundy classification?
- Regional (Bourgogne): seven regional appellations; the entry level.
- Village: 44 appellations, each named for a specific commune.
- Premier cru: not a separate appellation but a designation within certain village appellations; the label shows the commune followed by the plot.
- Grand cru: 33 appellations; the label shows only the vineyard name.
How many grand cru appellations are there in Burgundy?
There are 33 grand cru appellations. Because the label carries only the vineyard name, names such as Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot or Richebourg appear without the village name.
Which Burgundy appellations are the most common?
Wine with Seth reports that regional appellations account for 53% of Burgundy production on a 2019 to 2023 five-year average — a reminder that grand cru wines are a small and highly sought-after fraction.
How can I explore Burgundy bottles?
Browse Burgundy wines in our selection and filter by appellation, producer and vintage to compare village, premier cru and grand cru bottles.
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Frequently asked questions
How many levels are there in the Burgundy classification?
Four: regional (Bourgogne), village, premier cru and grand cru.
How many grand cru appellations does Burgundy have?
33 grand cru appellations.
Is premier cru a separate appellation?
No. Premier cru is a designation within certain village appellations; the label names the commune and the plot.
What appears on a grand cru label?
Only the vineyard name.
How many village appellations are there in Burgundy?
44 village appellations, each named for a specific commune.
Sources
- Wine with Seth — Burgundy wine classification — Four-level structure, number of appellations and production share (secondary reference).
Last reviewed: October 2026. For the legal definition of each appellation, consult the official Burgundy interprofession (BIVB) and INAO documents.
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