On December 31st, to commemorate the last day of the year, I opened a bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Edition. My admiration for Krug Champagne extends beyond its luxurious appeal to its philosophical depth and innovative spirit.
Guided by Olivier Krug and backed by LVMH since 1999, the brand honors its rich heritage while embracing modernity with open arms. This delicate balance of old and new is perhaps best exemplified in Krug’s unique collaborations with musicians, where each champagne inspires a musical composition, intertwining taste with melody in a celebration of sensory experiences.
Moreover, the way Krug likens winemaking to orchestrating a symphony resonates deeply with me. This comparison not only highlights the meticulous care in blending diverse flavors and aromas but also reflects a profound respect for the craft.
Each bottle of Krug is a result of carefully conducted ‘performances’ of vineyards and vintages, akin to musicians in an orchestra, coming together under the skilled direction of the cellar master.
This approach to winemaking as an art form—where each detail is harmonized to create something truly exceptional—inspires a deeper appreciation for Krug. It’s not just about enjoying a fine champagne; it’s about experiencing a masterpiece crafted with passion and precision. As I explore each variant from Krug, I am continually intrigued by the creativity and philosophy that define this iconic house.
Table of Contents
1. Krug Grande Cuvée Edition
Krug Grande Cuvée stands as a testament to the art of champagne blending, a practice that combines over 120 reserve wines, with some aged as long as 15 years. This intricately crafted champagne boasts an exquisite color, delicate and persistent bubbles, and a rich, aromatic profile that underscores its unparalleled depth and complexity.
Each bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée is a masterpiece that takes nearly two decades to produce, reflecting the meticulous care and tradition of the Krug maison.
Established in 1843 by Joseph Krug, the house has a storied history beginning with its first recorded harvest in 1845. The creation of each Krug Grande Cuvée is celebrated as an annual edition, meticulously aged in cellars for about seven years before its release to ensure perfection upon arrival at your glass. The most recent edition, the 170ème, marks the 170th iteration since the inception of this iconic champagne, showcasing the rich legacy and continuous innovation of Krug.
The Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Edition is composed of a blend of 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay, and 11% Meunier. This composition is carefully selected from 195 distinct wines spanning 12 vintages between 1998 and 2014. Each grape variety contributes uniquely to the champagne’s character:
- Pinot Noir: The backbone of the blend, Pinot Noir lends a robust flavor and a fragrant bouquet that defines the structure of the champagne.
- Meunier: Predominantly cultivated in the Champagne region, Meunier imparts rich fruit flavors and facilitates a quicker maturation, adding depth and richness.
- Chardonnay: Known for its crisp acidity, Chardonnay infuses the blend with elegance, lightness, and a refreshing quality that balances the robustness of the red grapes.
Together, these varieties weave a complex tapestry of flavors and aromas, making Krug Grande Cuvée a sublime expression of craftsmanship and heritage. Every sip invites you to explore layers of nuanced taste, making it not just a drink but an experience to savor. Whether for a special celebration or a quiet moment of indulgence, Krug Grande Cuvée promises to elevate any occasion with its timeless elegance and rich historical lineage.
2. Krug House
Founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug in the prestigious Reims region, the House of Krug is a symbol of excellence and tradition in the champagne world. Today, Olivier Krug, the sixth-generation descendant, leads the house as its director, maintaining its longstanding heritage while introducing innovative experiences for today’s champagne enthusiasts.
At Krug, the intricate relationship with the terroir is pivotal. Each vineyard plot is managed with meticulous care, understanding that the unique qualities of each contribute significantly to the overall character of their champagnes. This deep appreciation for each plot’s individuality is essential to their renowned blending process, which is at the heart of their champagne production.
Describing this process, Olivier Krug eloquently compares it to a musical performance. He says,
“Krug takes a lyrical approach to Champagne creation. Each individual plot, with its wine, is like a musician contributing its own character and vitality, while Cellar Master Julie Cavil is like an orchestra conductor auditioning each personality to determine which should play together in the final blend, or symphony.”
This analogy beautifully illustrates the careful orchestration behind every bottle of Krug, showcasing how each element is intentionally integrated to create a harmonious and exquisite champagne. With Cellar Master Julie Cavil at the helm of this process, each vintage is a testament to a legacy of unmatched craftsmanship and a passion for excellence.
3. Krug Music Paring
Through the concept of paring music, Krug house has taken an innovative approach to enhance the sensory experience of their esteemed beverages through the unique intersection of taste and sound. In a creative marketing initiative, Krug has collaborated with renowned musicians like composer Max Richter and jazz pianist Jacky Terrasson to develop tracks inspired by the complex flavors and aromas of their champagnes. This concept aims to create a multi-sensory drinking experience that intensifies the enjoyment of Krug’s exquisite blends.
Check out this video to see how Krug and Jacky Terrasson explore the relationship between music and their craft. It’s a simple yet intriguing look at the interplay of fine Champagne and inspiring piano melodies. 🎶🍾
Through Krug’s innovative mobile app or website, enthusiasts can enter a unique ID found on each bottle to unlock an array of content. This includes the champagne’s detailed story, expert tasting notes, suggested food pairings, and a curated list of music tracks designed to complement the drink. I personally tested this feature, selecting a bottle, exploring its backstory, and savoring the champagne while listening to the recommended music tracks.
The tracks varied greatly in style and character, reflecting the subjective nature of music and its influence on our sensory perception. While the idea of paring of music with champagne is intriguing, it’s clear that personal taste in music can significantly affect the overall experience. Despite my mixed feelings about the music pairing, exploring this novel feature was undoubtedly an enriching way to engage with the Krug brand. For those curious about blending the culinary with the auditory, I recommend giving Krug’s music pairing a try—it’s a fascinating way to enhance your champagne enjoyment.
4. Tasting Experience
The tasting notes for “Krug Grande Cuvée 170 Edition” on the mobile app are as follows:
A light golden colour and fine, vivacious bubbles, holding a promise of pleasure.
Aromas of flowers in bloom, ripe, dried and citrus fruits, as well as marzipan and gingerbread.
Flavours of hazelnut, nougat, barley sugar, jellied and citrus fruits, almonds, brioche and honey.
If you are interested in Chapnagne’s Brioche Aroma, find it in our previous post.
Food Paring 🍷🍲
On that last day of the year, I enjoyed an exquisite food pairing with Krug Grande Cuvée from the esteemed “SONG CHEF” Chinese restaurant in Gangnam, a perfect choice for a festive day like December 31st. Opting for delivery on this busy, cold evening, I selected three exceptional dishes: Tangsuyuk, Kkanpunggi, and Pabochae.
Tangsuyuk, or Sweet and Sour Pork, featured high-quality fried pork loin that was both sweet and mouth-filling. The pork’s crisp texture and rich flavor harmonized beautifully with Krug’s vibrant effervescence.
Kkanpunggi, a popular Korean-Chinese dish, presented crispy chicken in a spicy, garlicky sauce. The bold flavors and crunchy texture of the chicken paired seamlessly with the depth and complexity of the champagne, enhancing the spice with its refreshing bubbles.
Pabochae, a stir-fried mix of luxurious seafood including abalone, sea cucumber, and crab meat, showcased the freshness of the ocean. The delicate seafood, combined with the structured elegance of Krug, created a harmonious blend of taste and sophistication.
This pairing not only highlighted the adaptability of Krug Grande Cuvée with various cuisines but also made the last day of the year truly memorable, blending rich culinary delights with the finesse of a fine champagne. This experience reaffirmed that Krug and well-crafted Chinese dishes from SONG CHEF are a match made in culinary heaven, even when enjoyed at home.
Yes, it’s quite pricey, but I highly recommend you try Krug Grande Cuvée for some memorable occation.🍾😀 You can find it on wine.com (click the red button), although the site only lists the 171st edition. Nevertheless, this version of Krug Grande Cuvée is also highly praised by 5 of professional wine critics, with an average rating of 97 points.
Krug Grande Cuvée 171th Edition
