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NV Krug Champagne Brut Grande Cuvee Edition 172eme #238930113
750ml
6x 750ml
Save 4%
24 In Stock
24 In Stock
Our Notes
In late July, I had the privilege of sitting down with Olivier Krug to taste through an array of new and upcoming releases. While every wine was remarkable, the Grande Cuvee 172eme Edition truly stood out. As Krug?s flagship Champagne, it?s the wine they pour the most resources into, and it shows. Based on the 2016 vintage and blended with reserve wines dating back to 1998, nearly half of the blend (42%) is composed of these reserve wines, imparting an extraordinary depth and complexity that sets this release apart. From the very first sip, the 172eme Edition reveals layers of candied citrus, elderflower, honeycomb, flint, and ginger. It's energetic and zesty, yet simultaneously creamy, toasty, and impeccably long on the finish. Even in a tasting alongside Krug?s more exclusive cuvees, this was the glass that was emptied and refilled the most. If you?re looking for an epic Champagne to cellar (or to enjoy over the next several months), this is the one to have on hand. (MZ)
Reviews 95 points Vinous "Sublime Champagne. Light citrus notes, white flowers, spice, marzipan, and chamomile inflections all run through this delicate, nuanced Grande Cuvee. A Champagne of understatement and class that is very much a reflection of its base year. (AG)"
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About Krug
Hailing from Reims and standing firm since 1843, Krug is a globally-acclaimed Champagne producer revered for its extraordinary quality and ingenuity. While its ownership changed hands to Moët Hennessey in 1999, the sixth-generation Krug, Olivier, oversees the operations, ensuring it remains a family affair. Krug's wine portfolio consists exclusively of premium offerings, with 20 hectares of vineyards dedicated to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Krug has begun transitioning to predominantly organic viticulture, although they have chosen not to seek certification for practical reasons.
Renowned parcels, such as Clos du Mesnil and Clos d’Ambonnay, deliver some of Krug's finest yields. A standout production from the house is the "Grande Cuvée," a harmonious blend of 120 base wines across 10 vintages, each maturing up to 15 years. The Krug team, under the guidance of Éric Lebel, promotes an intricate vinification process, employing neutral 205-L oak barrels for individual parcels - of which there are 250. They avoid malolactic fermentation to maintain mineral sharpness and enforce a lengthy cellar aging of 5 to 10 years before the wine sees the world.
Joseph Krug, the non-conformist founder, envisioned a Champagne house where all expressions held a distinct, uniform level of excellence. This dream continues to resonate within the Krug ethos, evermore amplified by subsequent generations. The painstaking attention to the character of each plot, coupled with a vast library of reserve wines, grants Krug the ability to deliver great Champagne year after year.
Krug's commitment to sustainability manifests in their ISO certification for environmental practices, energy management, and food safety management, leading the way for LVMH Maisons in receiving the Positive Luxury title.
Their Champagnes bear a unique signature with a nose of toasted, grilled, pastry, or almond notes, a result of at least 6 years of aging sur lies. The palate introduces fresh fruit, especially citrus, maintaining a freshness through careful grape selection. With residual sugar levels never exceeding 6.5g/L, Krug wines are predominantly dry, crafting an indelible impression of their relentless pursuit for distinction.