What kind of wine is Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug?

Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug represents the essence of the prestigious Maison Krug, one of the most authoritative names in the French Champagne region. This wine is born in Reims, in the heart of the appellation, and embodies the Krug philosophy: to always create the ultimate expression of completeness and harmony, regardless of the vintage. Produced using the traditional Champagne method – that is, the second fermentation in the bottle that naturally generates the bubbles – this champagne requires time, precision, and a mastery resulting from generations of savoir-faire.

Vintage Details

The 173ème Édition is the result of blending 131 wines from 12 different vintages, demonstrating Krug's ability to enhance every diversity. The youngest wine comes from the 2015 harvest, the oldest dates back to 2000: two extremes of an oenological mosaic that provides balance and complexity. The climatic conditions of the most recent harvest were variable, but the skill of the cellar masters managed to create a blend that expresses fullness, elegance, and extraordinary freshness.

Winemaking and Aging

Winemaking strictly follows the traditional method. After blending, the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle and remains in contact with the lees for approximately seven years, during which it develops its creamy structure and refined aromas of bread and hazelnut. The Brut dosage, slightly less than 10 g/l of sugar, ensures a balance between freshness and roundness. In total, over twenty years of patient work are required to bring each edition of this legendary cuvée to market.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug shines with an intense golden yellow, with a very fine and continuous perlage that testifies to the quality of the long aging on the lees.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and enveloping, with hints of toasted hazelnut, marzipan, acacia honey, and candied citrus. With aeration, notes of brioche, apple, and white flowers emerge, in a set of extraordinary elegance and olfactory complexity.

Palate

On the palate, it reveals density and liveliness, a perfect balance between mineral freshness and creamy softness. The subtle and persistent bubbles enhance the long finish, leaving a sensation of finesse and harmony.

What dishes to pair with Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug

This Champagne finds its ultimate expression at the table, where it elegantly accompanies refined dishes as well as simple preparations based on high-quality ingredients. Ideal for accompanying:

• Crustaceans and seafood, such as oysters and gratinated langoustines
• Baked fish, sushi, or white fish carpaccios
• Noble poultry dishes, such as pigeon or glazed quail
• Soft cheeses, especially bloomy rind cheeses

Its versatility also makes it perfect as a meditation champagne, to be enjoyed alone to appreciate all its nuances.

Storage and Aging

How to store Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug

To preserve the intact quality of this champagne, it is important to store it correctly:

• Temperature: stable between 10 and 12°C, avoiding temperature fluctuations.
• Light: keep bottles away from direct light, preferably in the dark.
• Position: laid on their side, so as to keep the cork moist and ensure an airtight seal.

Under the right conditions, Champagne Brut 'Grande Cuvée 173ème Édition' - Krug can evolve magnificently for many years, developing further aromatic complexities and taste nuances that only great champagnes can offer.