The Grande Cuvée 173rd Edition from Maison Krug is much more than a champagne; it is the culmination of a visionary vision: that of Joseph Krug. Presented in its luxurious box, this edition embodies the founder's dream of offering, each year, the best possible expression of Champagne, regardless of the vagaries of the climate. Transcending the very notion of vintage, this exceptional bottle is a complex mosaic, woven from a vast library of reserve wines.
The creation of the Grande Cuvée 173rd Edition Krug
This 173rd Edition is the result of a dizzying blend of 150 individual wines from 13 different years. While the 2017 harvest forms the basis of this composition, it is magnified by the addition of 12 other vintages, the oldest dating back to 2001. The blend gives pride of place to Pinot Noir (44%), which provides structure, complemented by 34% Chardonnay for elegance and 22% Meunier for fruitiness. The soul of this cuvée lies in the extensive use of reserve wines, representing 31% of the final blend, which give it the fullness and roundness characteristic of the Krug style.
The Terroir
The philosophy of the House of Krug is based on an uncompromising approach to vineyard plots. Each vineyard plot is considered an individual entity, a unique ingredient capable of bringing a specific nuance to the final blend. For this edition, the grapes come from a mosaic of terroirs selected for their aromatic expression, ranging from the most prestigious Grands Crus to more confidential parcels, resulting in a palette of flavors that would be impossible to express with wines from a single year.
Vinification
The creation of the Grande Cuvée 173rd Edition represents more than 20 years of meticulous work, from the care taken in the vineyards to the bottling process. The House practices a vinification process that respects the identity of each wine, allowing the Cellar Master to draw on a "library" of flavors. The long aging process in cellars, lasting around seven years, allows the effervescence to refine and the aromas to develop their inimitable patina, protected by the box which guarantees perfect darkness until opening.
Base year: 2017
Although Krug Grande Cuvée is not a vintage wine, its soul is built around a dominant harvest, in this case that of 2017. This year, known for its climatic challenges, required a rigorous selection of grapes to retain only the healthiest and most expressive. It was precisely to transcend the limitations of this singular year that the use of the House's vast collection of reserve wines (dating back to 2001) was crucial, bringing depth and complexity that the year alone could not have offered.
Tasting notes
Color
In the glass, the Grande Cuvée 173rd Edition reveals a sumptuous golden color, enlivened by a fine and lively effervescence, promising a creamy texture.
Nose
The nose is an aromatic explosion, both expressive and powerful. It reveals delicious notes of vanilla pastry cream, French toast, and rum baba. These pastry aromas mingle with fresher touches of verbena, stone fruit, and toasted nuances.
Palate
The attack on the palate is smooth and creamy. The generosity perceived on the nose is confirmed with flavors of juicy fruit, peaches in syrup, and ripe citrus. The tasting evolves into a fascinating complexity, revealing notes of beeswax, pine nuts, and toast, before ending with a precise and clean finish marked by lemon.
Serving suggestions
- Jabugo ham
- Aged Comté cheese
- Aged Parmesan
- Turbot with truffles
- Hot oysters
- Spicy Indian dishes
- Tarte Tatin
- Carrot Cake
- Cheesecake
Storage and serving tips
How should this champagne be stored?
Krug Grande Cuvée, especially in its original box, has exceptional aging potential. All Krug champagnes gain complexity and patina with age. It is recommended that you store your bottle at a stable temperature, ideally between 9°C and 12°C, which is the same temperature as the serving temperature, to avoid any thermal shock.
Aging potential
Delivered at full maturity after more than seven years in the cellar, this 173rd Edition is ready to be enjoyed. However, its richness in reserve wines gives it remarkable longevity. From 2030 onwards, it will develop even more toasty and spicy notes, and will keep beautifully beyond that for lovers of full-bodied champagnes.
Serving suggestions
To fully reveal the richness of this exceptional champagne, the serving temperature is crucial: serve it between 9°C and 12°C. A temperature that is too low (such as a cold refrigerator) would "break" the structure of the wine and prevent the expression of its complex aromas of rum baba and citrus fruits. Choose a wide white wine glass rather than a narrow flute.
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