Champagne AOC Brut Grande Cuvée 174ème Édition Krug

What kind of wine is it

Krug Grande Cuvée 174ème Édition is a multi-vintage Brut Champagne from Maison Krug, founded in Reims in 1843. It was born from the founder Joseph Krug’s idea: to produce each year the most complete Champagne possible, whatever the season may bring. To achieve this, reserve wines from many different years are needed. The Édition number tells you how many times this idea has been brought to life. The 174ème originates from the 2018 harvest. It is a rich and generous Champagne, with a well-defined freshness.

Where it comes from

This Champagne is born in the Champagne region in north-eastern France. The grapes come from different plots, which the Maison vinifies and stores separately. Year after year, these individual wines form a large library of reserve wines, drawn upon for each new Édition. Thanks to this collection, every Krug Grande Cuvée has a recognizable and consistent style.

How it is made

The 174ème Édition is a blend of 143 wines from 10 different vintages. The youngest is from 2018, the oldest from 2001. More than a third of the blend is composed of reserve wines, which lend concentration, complexity and roundness. The grapes are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier, with Pinot Noir predominant. After blending, the wine follows the Traditional Method and ages for a long time on the lees in the Maison’s cellars. Altogether, it takes over twenty years of work before this Édition reaches the glass.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it shows an intense gold color. The nose reveals toasty notes and dried fruit, subtle smoky nuances and aromas of mandarin and candied citrus. On the palate there are again mandarin and citrus, accompanied by chocolate, beeswax and fruit preserves. The palate is harmonious and rich, and it finishes with an elegant, slightly bitter note.

Food pairings

Thanks to its freshness, it pairs with many dishes, from the simplest to the most elaborate. Simple matches include Jabugo ham and a well-aged Comté, or roasted asparagus with garlic butter. For more elaborate dishes, try hake with Moroccan chermoula. With its slightly bitter note, it also pairs well with a dessert like tarte tatin.

When to serve it

This is a Champagne suited both as an aperitif and to accompany a full meal, from starter to dessert. It’s perfect for special occasions and for dinners where the wine plays an important role. Serve it in a large wine glass rather than a flute, so the toasty and citrus aromas can open up.