What kind of wine is Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug (coffret)

The Champagne Brut “Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition” - Krug (coffret) represents the quintessence of champenoise art. Produced by the renowned Maison Krug, founded in Reims in 1843, this Champagne perfectly embodies the philosophy of excellence that has made the Krug name synonymous with elegance, precision, and harmony. The result of an assemblage of 131 wines from 12 different vintages—from 2000 to 2015—it combines balance, depth, and complexity in a single sip. Each bottle is a small masterpiece of craftsmanship, made according to the méthode champenoise (or traditional method), a process that involves secondary fermentation in the bottle and long aging on the lees to achieve maximum refinement.

Vintage Details

The 173ème Édition originates from the 2015 harvest, a balanced vintage that enjoyed a warm summer and ideal climatic conditions for grape ripening. However, its soul is not limited to a single vintage: the multi-vintage blend is the secret to its complexity. Carefully selected reserve wines add depth, toasted notes, and surprising aromatic finesse, making each edition unique and unrepeatable.

Winemaking and Aging

The production of Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug (coffret) follows the rigorous traditional method, the same used for the best Champagnes, which includes:

• secondary fermentation in the bottle with long aging on the lees for over 7 years;
• final dosage in Brut style, which preserves freshness and complexity;
• careful selection of reserve wines to ensure balance and continuity of taste.

From harvest to bottling, more than twenty years pass, a time that testifies to the Maison's pursuit of perfection.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, it presents a bright, luminous gold, traversed by a very fine and persistent perlage, a sign of great care and long aging on the lees.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and sophisticated: it opens with notes of toasted hazelnut, brioche, and white flowers, followed by hints of honey, candied citrus, and touches of sweet spices. Each aroma blends harmoniously, evolving with oxygenation in the glass.

Taste

On the palate, it offers a full and balanced structure. The extremely fine bubbles accompany a creamy and lively sip, with a long persistence and a mineral finish that invites another taste. The Krug signature is recognized in the fusion of power and elegance.

Food Pairings for Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug (coffret)

Versatile and surprising, this Champagne lends itself to multiple gastronomic pairings. Perfect as a refined aperitif, it finds its maximum expression at the table, with dishes rich in flavor and texture. Ideal with:

• oysters, crustaceans, and tuna or salmon tartare;
• poultry or veal dishes with light sauces;
• aged cheeses and 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano;
• foie gras or mushroom risottos for a more intense pairing.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug (coffret)

To preserve the intact quality of this excellent Champagne, it is essential to follow some simple storage rules:

• Temperature: maintain consistently between 10 and 12°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
• Light: store in the dark, away from direct light sources or neon lights that can alter the wine.
• Position: the bottle should be kept horizontally, with the cork always in contact with the wine to preserve its elasticity.

If stored correctly, the Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug (coffret) can evolve wonderfully for many years, enriching itself with new aromatic and gustatory nuances over time.