Joe Bastianich

I think that, by comparison with $2,000 bottles of grand cru Burgundies, first-rate barolos, which sell for under $100, are undervalued ten-fold.

American Chef

Understand that 'cru' can indicate the quality level of a vineyard within wine classification systems.

'Cru' is primarily used in reference to French vineyards or in contexts influenced by French winemaking.

Expect to see 'cru' on labels of high-quality wine bottles, indicating their origin.

Used informally, 'cru' refers to a close-knit group, similar to 'crew'.

'Cru' encapsulates a sense of belonging and is often linked to urban and youth culture.

Using 'cru' around friends can convey camaraderie, but might seem out of place in formal situations.