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In 1415 an edict of King Charles VI stated that "Wines which are called
Bourgogne are wines produced above the "Pont de Sens" (Bridge of Sens, a city just north of Chablis). He divided wine into two categories : High-Bourgogne and Low-Bourgogne.
Nowadays, the laws of August 1st, 1905 and May 6th, 1919 rule the appellations in Burgundy. Territories composed of small crops called "climats" compose the appellations. That way we get the appellations Beaune,
Chablis,
Nuits,
Meursault,
Pouilly-Fuissé ...
Every where in Burgundy the varieties used are strictly ruled.
Premier
Cru
About 600 vineyards merit the appellation "Premier Cru". They have been officially designed from the old habits which accepted them as best wines. The name of the village, followed by the name of the vineyard, in the same lettering, appears on the label of a "Premier Cru".
Grand Cru
Only 33 vineyards have the privilege of being agreed as "Grand Cru". They used to be called "Tête de Cuvée". They are the best among the best: Chambertin, Clos Vougeot, Corton, Corton-Charlemagne, Montrachet, Musigny, La Tache ... Only the name of the vineyard figures on the label of Bourgogne "Grand Cru".