Which Pinot Noir labeling level typically accounts for the majority of production?

• A. Villages
• B. Grand Cru
• C. Regional Label
• D. Premier Cru

Answer: (C)

Pinot Noir labeling in Burgundy is tiered from regional to village to premier cru to grand cru. The regional level covers large geographic areas and blends grapes from many vineyards, which makes it the most practical and scalable option for producers. Because there are far more hectares under regional appellations than under the restricted premier cru or grand cru sites, regional Pinot Noir is produced in the greatest quantities. Village wines sit in between in terms of volume and price, but they still don’t reach the sheer scale of regional bottlings. Premier cru and grand cru are limited by the small geographic areas they come from and by tighter quality controls, so their production is smaller and more premium in nature. So the regional label accounts for the majority of production.