What is meant by first growth wine?

Question

What is meant by first growth wine?

Answer 1

Typically old vines, also known as Premier Cru.    Grand Cru would be above Premier Cru and Appellation controlee  would be below Premier Cru.   All terms are specific to France AOC classification.

Answer 2

That sounds really weird.  I'd stick with the old growth wine.

Answer 3

First growth typically refers specifically to wines grown in the Bordeaux region in France and more specifically in the Haut-Medoc region.  In 1855, the Bordelais government awarded status of fifth through first growth for all distinguished wines with first growth being the most prestigious.  I don't remember the exact numbers from each growth, but first growths include Chateaux Lafite Rothschild, Haut-Brion, Margaux, and Latour.  In 1972, the only wine to ever change classification, Chateau0 Mouton Rothschild, moved from second growth to first growth.  

Many people consider this pretty archaic as many wineries have changed over the last 150 years.  Some, like Chateau Lynch Bages, a fifth growth, consistently outperform many wineries with more prestigious classifications, while others underperform.

The Sauternes region has a similar system with "growths" but Chateau Y'quem has the singular status as First Great Growth.

Answer 4

i would say its wine made with the first growth of grapes...like the first crop if you like.

jsut a guess :-)

Answer 5

First Growth (French: Premier Cru) status refers to a classification of wines primarily from the Bordeaux region of France