Crus
This word comes from the past participle of the verb "croître" (to grow): where the vine has grown, that is, has grown. A cru designates a specific wine-growing area, often a village. In the Rhône Valley, it refers to the AOCs known as communal because they (generally) bear the name of a commune, located at the top of the appellation hierarchy. Therefore, 1 cru = 1 AOC.
- Northern crus: Château-Grillet, Condrieu, Cornas, Côte-Rôtie, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Saint-Péray.
- Southern crus: Beaumes-de-Venise, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Laudun, Lirac, Rasteau (naturally sweet wine and still wine), Tavel, Vacqueyras, and Vinsobres.
