ntroduction
The Krug Grand Cuvée 171st Edition is a legendary non-vintage Champagne crafted to represent the house’s timeless vision of excellence. Created from a blend of over 120 wines from more than 10 different vintages, the 171st Edition embodies the signature richness, complexity, and refinement of Krug Champagne. It is a luxurious Champagne that balances fresh fruit, depth, and a harmonious, long-lasting finish.

Terrior
Sourced from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards across Champagne, the Krug Grand Cuvée is composed of wines from diverse terroirs and villages, contributing layers of flavor and structure. The chalky soils, typical of the Champagne region, lend a distinctive minerality and freshness. The Krug philosophy values terroir expression through masterful blending, creating a Champagne that celebrates both vineyard and craft.

Appearance
Golden yellow with a fine, steady stream of bubbles that indicate both quality and the extensive aging process.

Nose
The nose is complex and expressive, with aromas of ripe apple, pear, and citrus zest, interwoven with notes of toasted hazelnut, marzipan, and honey. Hints of brioche, nougat, and floral undertones add depth, showcasing the Champagne’s extended lees aging and the diversity of its blend.

Palate
On the palate, the Krug Grand Cuvée is full-bodied and opulent, with flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and baked apple, complemented by almond, praline, and a gentle toastiness. The mousse is fine and creamy, enhancing the wine’s luxurious mouthfeel. The lively acidity and mineral edge create a remarkable balance and freshness, despite its richness.

Finish
The finish is exceptionally long, with lingering notes of citrus, toasted almond, and a subtle saline minerality, leaving a refined, elegant impression that lasts.

Overall Impression
The Krug Grand Cuvée 171st Edition is an extraordinary Champagne, combining complexity, finesse, and richness with masterful precision. Its vibrant acidity, creamy texture, and layered flavors make it an exceptional pairing with shellfish, lobster, truffle-infused dishes, or fine cheeses. It is also ideal as a celebratory wine, marking special moments with Krug’s unique character and elegance.

Ratings:
Decanter: Rated 97 Points
The 172ème édition, based around the 2016 vintage, is a delicate, floral and saline Grande Cuvée at this early stage in its life. The palate it taut, tightly wound, gradually unfurling into toasted fruit bread, rye bread and roasted nuts, wrapped around an intricate and taut lemon core. It's exceptionally long, spicy, rounded and spherical in shape. Notes of sweet unsalted butter round out the finish, which has such length, elegance and balance. 58% of the wine is from the 2016 vintage, which saw a lot of rain in the spring and close to flowering, with 42% from reserve wines. The blend is made up of 146 separately vinified wines from 11 different years, and the oldest wine in the blend is from the 1998 vintage. (NE)

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, with a focus on preserving vineyard health and enhancing terroir expression. Krug practices minimal intervention, organic composting, and selective hand-harvesting to maintain grape quality across their diverse vineyard sites.

Producer Name: Krug
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Champagne
Grape Varietals: Predominantly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a small portion of Pinot Meunier
Vintage: Non-vintage (multi-vintage blend)
Wine Style: Brut (dry sparkling)
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional méthode champenoise, with extensive lees aging (minimum six years) to develop depth, texture, and a fine, persistent mousse
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork