The monks who laid the foundations of Clos de Vougeot seemed to regard the grapes harvested from the upper slopes of the vineyard within the Clos as being of higher quality. However, with the advancement of viticultural techniques today, even grapes from the lower vineyards, which were once considered inferior in quality, are now producing excellent wines.
In cases like Clos de Vougeot, where the differences in terroir within a single cru are quite distinct, it would not be surprising if the area were divided into several climats, each receiving its own AOC designation. However, Clos de Vougeot has long been recognized as a single vineyard enclosed by walls, and it was likely its historical identity and the prestige of the cru that led to its recognition as a standalone Grand Cru.