Grand Cru, Of the more than 300 wine-producing villages in Champagne, 17 are categorised as “grand cru” (“great/best growth”) The remaining territories, though they may yield exceptional grapes, have no cru status at all.
Premier Cru or 1er Cru, Of the more than 300 wine-producing villages in Champagne, 44 are listed under the marginally-less-extraordinary “premier cru” (“first growth”) label. The remaining territories, though they may yield exceptional grapes, have no cru status at all.
Special Club, The Special Club, was originally founded in 1971 by 12 of the oldest families of the Champagne region. Since then, the club has grown to include 29 producers committed to excellence in all aspects of production. This exclusive membership is only open to Recoltant Manipulants (a French designation for a producer of grower Champagne). The Special Club Champagnes represent the tête de cuvée (a premier bottling often carrying a vintage date) selection for each member.Special Club Champagnes are only made in outstanding vintages from grapes harvested from member’s own vineyards. Each producer must submit his wine to two blind tastings panels of esteemed oenologists and wine professionals.