Krug Grande Cuvée is born from the dream of one man, Joseph Krug, to craft the very best Champagne he could offer, every single year, regardless of annual variations in climate. Since 1843, the House of Krug has honoured this vision with each new Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée. Unlike other Maison’s the wines needed for their NV are selected first, in the spring following the harvest. Then Krug considers the elements they want to keep from the last harvest for their reserves and finally they decide if they have the right components to make a vintage from that year. Often in great vintages like 2012 they decide they want more of the great wines in their reserve program rather than make a Krug 2012.

“Every year since the foundation of the House, a new Edition of Krug Grande Cuvée is created, every year the inspiration will be the same, but the creation will be totally unique and different.” Olivier Krug

This is the 168th creation of Krug Grande Cuvée and the fifth release to display the Edition on the label. The majority 52% is from its base year of 2012 and the remaining 48% is from 11 vintages of reserve wines the oldest being 1996 and the youngest 2012 some 198 wines make up the blend. Frost, rain, storms and hale all hit the vineyards of Champagne in winter and spring 2012, followed by the driest ripening season since 1974, resulting in 20% fewer grapes. To realise the final creation, wines of the year from meticulously selected plots were blended with reserve wines from 10 other years. The careful attention given to the vines and Krug’s unique respect for the individual character of each plot enabled the breadth of expression of this Édition. In all, reserve wines from the House’s extensive library made up 42% of the final blend, bringing the breadth and roundness so essential to each Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée.

Krug ID: 119010 | Each bottle of Krug has a Krug ID on the back label which enables you to discover the story of that very bottle. You can do so using the smartphone App or on the Krug website.

This 168th edition received a 19/20 from Jancis Robinson, notes below, her highest score ever for a Krug Grande Cuvee!

Technical Information:
Vineyards: Predominately Premier & Grand Cru
Grape Varieties: 52% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 13% Meunier
Base Vintage: 2012
Reserve Wine: 48%
Lees Ageing: 7 years
Disgorged: Winter 2019
Dosage: 6 g/l
Alcohol: 12%
Drink: Now to 2029

Tasting Note: A light golden colour and fine vivacious bubbles, holding a promise of pleasure. Aromas of flowers in bloom, ripe, dried and citrus fruits combine with marzipan and gingerbread. On the palate, hazelnut, barley sugar with more citrus, brioche and almonds. A slight honeyed finish, long and lingering.