Krug Grande Cuvée 171eme Édition NV

Grape Makeup:

45% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay, 18% Meunier

Sweetness Level:

Brut

Ageing on Lees:

7 years

Price:

$$$

Cellar:

10 years

Category:

Celebration

What

The maison founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug with the intention of achieving “ultimate quality.” Considered by many to be the single greatest champagne producer.

Where

Reims; 21 hectares of estate vineyards covering roughly one-third of production needs, including in Grand Crus Ambonnay, Aÿ, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger.

Why

Grande Cuvée, the “entry level” for Krug, is prestige cuvée level by any standard. Édition 171 was crafted from 12 different vintages up to and including 2015, a drought and heat-wave year that was so extreme it shut down the vines. Krug characteristically picks grapes at lower sugar levels to retain acidity for ageing and there is a marked firmness and linearity at the heart of this Édition that is beautifully offset by the richness around it.

What Else

Though Krug is known as one of the champions of the oak-fermented style, the oak used is in fact totally neutral aromatically; the 205-litre casks are used for the slow introduction of oxygen, helping build complexity.

Tasting Notes

The nose on this latest edition leans sweet and nutty, with coconut, amaretto biscuit, marron glacé, musk and toast over fairly clean lemon fruit with some ozone sharpness. The acidity is unexpectedly forceful on the front, with an immense sense of sharpness and not that much body to surround it. The aromatics are plusher, leading you to expect more volume, but the structure itself is skinny and linear and drives straight back along the palate, creating a marked sense of duality.

Try It With

Refined, classical western dishes with bold flavours, like a rack of lamb.

When To Drink

Main course or after dinner. 

Perfect For

The friend for whom every day can be a special occasion.

Tatler Tip

Since the introduction of the Éditions at Krug, it has been possible to do "verticals" of Krug Grande Cuvée, a very worthwhile way to spend an evening with wine-loving friends.

TL/DR

Hedonistic nose; lean, polished palate.

Supplier

MHD