Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition Brut Champagne – 750ml
Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition Brut Champagne is an exceptional multi-vintage Champagne that reflects the House of Krug’s dedication to creating a rich, complex expression of Champagne beyond the limitations of a single harvest. Crafted from a carefully selected blend of 146 wines spanning 11 different years, this edition combines Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier to create remarkable depth, freshness, and aromatic complexity. With approximately seven years of aging in Krug’s cellars, it offers an elegant balance of white fruit, citrus, floral aromas, toasted notes, and a persistent, refined finish.
Key Details
Wine Type: Brut Champagne
Producer: Krug
Cuvée: Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition
Origin: Champagne, France
Grape Varieties: 44% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, 20% Meunier
Blend: 146 wines from 11 different years
Base Vintage: 2016
Reserve Wines: 42% of the final blend
Oldest Wine in the Blend: 1998
Aging: Approximately seven years in Krug’s cellars
Alcohol Content: Approximately 12.5% ABV
Bottle Size: 750ml
Style: Dry, full-bodied, complex, and elegant
Process & Production
Krug Grande Cuvée is created around the philosophy of founder Joseph Krug, who envisioned producing the finest Champagne possible each year, regardless of variations in annual weather conditions. Rather than relying on a single vintage, the House combines wines from multiple harvests to create a Champagne with exceptional fullness, balance, and consistency.
The 172ème Édition was composed around the 2016 harvest, a growing season marked by contrasting weather conditions. A wet spring created challenges in the vineyards, followed by more favorable conditions from flowering onward and a heatwave toward the end of ripening. The harvest took place from September 9 through October 2, producing wines with distinctive aromatic character.
To build this edition, Krug blended 146 wines from 11 different years. The final composition consists of 44% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, and 20% Meunier. Reserve wines account for 42% of the blend, contributing additional breadth, maturity, and roundness.
Individual wines are vinified separately, with small oak barrels playing an important role in Krug’s winemaking approach. The completed blend then matures in the House’s cellars for approximately seven years, allowing the wine to develop its complexity, fine bubbles, and harmonious structure.
Appearance
Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition displays an intense yellow-gold color with fine, lively bubbles. Its luminous appearance and persistent effervescence reflect the wine’s elegant structure and extended maturation.
Tasting Notes
Nose: An elegant and expressive bouquet of white flowers, lavender, and almond, accompanied by ripe white fruit, citrus, and subtle notes of dried fruit and spice.
Palate: Delicate yet intense, with fresh white fruit and lemony citrus at the center. Nuances of white flowers and violet add floral complexity, while hints of eucalyptus and menthol provide freshness. Toasted notes, almond, and gentle pastry-like richness contribute depth and texture.
Finish: Long, fresh, and persistent, with lingering citrus, white fruit, floral nuances, and a refined mineral character.
What Makes It Special
Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition is distinguished by its multi-vintage composition and the remarkable number of individual wines selected to create the final blend. By combining 146 wines from 11 different years, Krug achieves a depth and range of flavors that would be difficult to express through a single harvest alone.
The 42% reserve-wine component contributes richness and complexity, while the combination of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier creates a balance of structure, freshness, and aromatic elegance. Approximately seven years of maturation in the cellars further develops the Champagne’s texture and intricate flavor profile.
The edition number identifies a specific creation within the history of Krug Grande Cuvée, making each release a distinct expression of the House’s blending philosophy.
How to Enjoy
Serve Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition chilled, ideally around 46–50°F, in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass that allows its aromas to develop while preserving its fine bubbles. Its complexity makes it an excellent aperitif, but its structure and depth also allow it to accompany an entire meal.
Pair it with oysters, grilled shrimp, turbot, or other delicate seafood. It also complements aged Parmesan, mature Comté, and high-quality cured ham. For more adventurous pairings, try it with Indian or Moroccan dishes, where its freshness and aromatic complexity can balance richly spiced flavors.
For dessert, consider tarte Tatin, carrot cake, or cheesecake. Its combination of citrus freshness and mature, toasted nuances makes it versatile enough to accompany both savory and sweet dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition?
It is a non-vintage Brut Champagne created from a blend of 146 wines spanning 11 different years. It represents the 172nd edition of Krug Grande Cuvée.
What grapes are used in this Champagne?
The blend consists of 44% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, and 20% Meunier.
Why does Krug use wines from multiple years?
Blending wines from different years allows Krug to create greater complexity, depth, and consistency than a single vintage may provide. Reserve wines contribute additional maturity and breadth.
How long is Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition aged?
The Champagne spends approximately seven years maturing in Krug’s cellars before release.
What is the alcohol content?
This Champagne contains approximately 12.5% alcohol by volume.
Is Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition sweet?
It is a Brut Champagne, meaning it is made in a dry style. Its ripe fruit and rich, toasted flavors provide complexity without making it a sweet wine.
What foods pair well with this Champagne?
It pairs beautifully with oysters, grilled shrimp, aged cheeses, cured ham, sophisticated seafood dishes, and selected desserts such as tarte Tatin and cheesecake.
Brand Story
The House of Krug was founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug, whose ambition was to create the finest Champagne possible each year, without being limited by the characteristics of an individual vintage. His philosophy emphasized the importance of blending, detailed knowledge of vineyard plots, and the expressive potential of wines from different harvests.
Krug Grande Cuvée remains the central expression of this vision. Each edition is assembled from a carefully selected collection of wines, with reserve wines providing additional complexity and depth. The edition number identifies each unique composition and preserves its place in the House’s history.
The 172ème Édition continues this tradition through its blend of 146 wines from 11 different years, showcasing Krug’s commitment to craftsmanship, patience, and the art of Champagne blending.
Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition Brut Champagne
Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition Brut Champagne 750ml is a sophisticated multi-vintage Champagne offering layers of white fruit, citrus, white flowers, lavender, almond, and delicate toasted notes. Composed from 146 wines spanning 11 different years and aged for approximately seven years in Krug’s cellars, it combines freshness, richness, and remarkable complexity. Elegant enough for special celebrations yet versatile enough to accompany an exceptional meal, this Champagne represents the distinctive blending philosophy that has defined the House of Krug since 1843.
