The Magnum Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Edition is the monumental embodiment of Joseph Krug's vision: to offer the best champagne possible every year, regardless of the vagaries of the weather. Presented in a superb box, this edition is a complex mosaic of 195 wines from 12 different years, capturing the essence of time and terroir. The Magnum format, the bottle of choice for connoisseurs, enhances this "170th recreation" by offering it unparalleled aging potential and texture. It is a champagne of absolute generosity, where the freshness of the 2014 harvest meets the patina of the House's great reserve wines.
The creation of the Grande Cuvée 170th Edition Krug
The blend of this 170th Edition is a feat of oenological craftsmanship. It combines 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay, and 11% Meunier. To achieve this aromatic fullness, the Cellar Master drew on the House's immense library, incorporating 45% reserve wines. The youngest wine dates from 2014, while the oldest dates back to 1998. This high proportion of older wines gives the cuvée a roundness and amplitude that wines from a single year could not offer, creating a unique symphony of flavors.
The Terroir
The plot selection for this edition is surgically precise. The 2014 Pinot Noirs come from multiple dynamic plots across the region, while the reserve wines, notably a 2005 Ambonnay, provide structure. The fruity Chardonnays were selected from the Montagne de Reims, the Sézannais and the Côte des Blancs, complemented by reserves from Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger. Finally, the Meuniers from the left bank of the Marne Valley, particularly those from Leuvrigny, offer a fruity brightness, supported by reserves from 2013 with a chiseled structure.
Vinification
Krug remains faithful to its traditional method of vinification in small oak barrels, which allows each plot to express its individuality before blending. This micro-vinification is essential for identifying the nuances of each of the 195 component wines. After bottling, the wine rests for more than seven years in the cellar to develop its expression. In this Magnum, aging on lees is even more harmonious, promoting perfect integration of aromas and a texture of bubbles of incomparable finesse.
Base year: 2014
This 170th Edition is built around the 2014 harvest. That year, Champagne experienced unpredictable weather, oscillating between cool and wet periods, before a saving month of September ensured the grapes reached maturity. The clear wines of 2014 proved to be lively and dynamic. This is where the art of Krug blending comes into its own: the 45% reserve wines envelop this liveliness, bringing the depth, patina and complexity necessary to recreate the Grande Cuvée signature.
The majesty of the Magnum format
The Magnum (1.5 liters) is considered by experts to be the ideal format for champagne, and particularly for a prestige cuvée such as Krug. The ratio between the volume of wine and the surface area exposed to oxygen is lower than in a standard bottle, which significantly slows down the wine's evolution. In this large bottle, protected by its case, the Grande Cuvée 170th Edition gains in freshness, complexity, and longevity, offering a transcendent tasting experience.
Tasting the cuvée
Color
The color is a sparkling pale gold. The effervescence, lively and extremely fine, forms a persistent cordon that promises a creamy texture.
Nose
The bouquet is incredibly rich. Aromas of blooming flowers and ripe, candied citrus fruits intermingle with delicious notes of marzipan and gingerbread.
Palate
On the palate, it is an explosion of flavors. Notes of hazelnut, nougat, and barley sugar are followed by the freshness of citrus jelly. The finish, full-bodied and honeyed, evokes warm brioche and dried fruit.
Serving suggestions
- Jabugo ham
- Aged Comté cheese
- Hot oysters
- Turbot with truffles
- Bresse poultry
- Braised sweetbreads
- Tarte Tatin
- Lemon Cheesecake
- Carrot cake
Storage and serving tips
How should this champagne be stored?
This Magnum, housed in its protective case, is well equipped to stand the test of time. Store it lying down in a cool (10-12°C), dark cellar free from vibrations. The large format ensures thermal stability and slow evolution, ideal for extended storage.
Aging potential
Thanks to the magnum effect and the structure of the reserve wines, this 170th Edition has immense potential. It will reach peaks of complexity in the coming decades. You can enjoy it today or let it evolve until 2035-2040, when it will reveal tertiary notes of mocha and white truffle.
Serving suggestions
Serve this champagne at a temperature between 9 and 12°C. A temperature that is too low would mask the richness of its 195 constituent wines. The use of large white wine glasses is recommended to allow the complex bouquet to fully develop.
Anecdote about this cuvée
Each bottle of Krug tells a unique story. The House has introduced "Krug iD," a six-digit number appearing on the back label. By scanning it, you can access the complete history of this 170th Edition, discovering the precise details of the plots and vintages that make up your Magnum, a rare transparency in the world of luxury.
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