There are dealers out there that do sell AAA or Fleur (sp?) grade. Top of the line cork. You deal with a reputable dealer and you get good stuff. Golden Witch, C&D Trading etc. You might have to wait because a lot of the times the good stuff is on back order.
Personally I'm not a big fan of burnt, burled, bamboo, compressed, composite and all the other "new style" cork. That's one reason I buy the cheapest cork and wrap it in rattan. I like the old style look of rattan and it is a comfortable grip.
Sometimes it takes a little bit of luck to get some top grade cork if you want to do just a Portuguese cork grip. Ski, I feel your pain.