Champagne Krug 169 NV

Winery Background & History

Krug is a legendary Champagne house founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug, known for its commitment to creating prestige Champagne that emphasizes complexity, richness, and individuality. Krug specializes in multi-vintage blends, where different vintages are blended together to create a cuvée with the house’s signature style of depth and freshness. The Krug Grande Cuvée is often regarded as one of the finest expressions of non-vintage Champagne in the world.

Producer & Wine Maker

Krug’s wines are crafted under the expert guidance of Julie Cavil, Krug’s Chef de Cave. Krug’s philosophy emphasizes that every plot of vines is treated as its own unique wine, which is then carefully blended to create a cuvée that embodies the Krug style—complex, rich, and multi-layered.

Vineyard

The grapes for Krug come from various top vineyards across Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs. Krug uses a wide variety of Grand Cru and Premier Cru plots, with each vineyard vinified separately to preserve its distinct character. This approach allows Krug to create wines that are an expression of each individual terroir.

The Wine

The Krug Grande Cuvée 169th Edition is a blend of 146 wines from 11 different years, the youngest being from 2013 and the oldest dating back to 2000. This non-vintage blend is a celebration of the house’s ability to create a Champagne of incredible complexity and consistency through the art of blending. The wine was aged for at least seven years in Krug’s cellars before release.

Vintage

Although the 169th Edition is a non-vintage wine, the base vintage is 2013, which was characterized by a cool spring and a late, sunny harvest that contributed to the balance between freshness and ripeness in the wine. The blend is made from a variety of reserve wines spanning over a decade, adding depth and complexity to the final cuvée.

ABV %

The alcohol by volume (ABV) for Krug Grande Cuvée 169th Edition is 12.5%.

Vinification and Aging Method

Krug Grande Cuvée undergoes méthode champenoise, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. The wine is aged for at least seven years on its lees, which contributes to its creamy texture and complexity. Krug uses a large proportion of reserve wines, which are aged in stainless steel vats to maintain freshness and character.

Grapes Varietals

• Chardonnay (43%)

• Pinot Noir (35%)

• Pinot Meunier (22%)

This combination highlights Krug’s philosophy of using all three grape varieties to achieve complexity, with Chardonnay providing freshness, Pinot Noir adding structure, and Pinot Meunier contributing roundness.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Golden in color with fine, persistent bubbles.

• Nose: Rich aromas of ripe citrus, apple, and stone fruits, along with hints of toasted brioche, almonds, and subtle floral notes.

• Palate: Full-bodied and creamy, with layers of honey, dried fruits, and hazelnut, balanced by bright acidity. The wine has an incredibly long and complex finish, showcasing notes of lemon zest, vanilla, and mineral undertones.

Food and Wine Pairing

Krug Grande Cuvée 169th Edition pairs beautifully with:

• Truffle dishes

• Oysters and other shellfish

• Lobster bisque

• Aged cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère

• Roasted chicken or game birds

Service Methods

Serve at 10-12°C (50-54°F) in a wide Champagne glass to allow the wine’s complexity and richness to unfold. It can also be decanted, a practice rare for Champagne but encouraged by Krug to enhance its aromatic expression.

Storage and Ageing Potential

Krug Grande Cuvée has excellent aging potential. While it can be enjoyed upon release, it will continue to develop in the bottle for another 10-15 years, deepening its complexity and bringing out more mature flavors such as toasted nuts and honey. Store in a cool, dark place with stable temperatures for optimal aging.

Scores

• Wine Advocate: 96 points

• James Suckling: 97 points

• Wine Spectator: 98 points

Summary

Krug Grande Cuvée 169th Edition is a masterful blend of vintages, creating a wine of incredible depth, complexity, and balance. With its layers of ripe fruit, toasty notes, and a creamy texture, it is a quintessential expression of Krug’s signature style. The 169th Edition is perfect for celebrating special occasions or for long-term aging, as it will continue to evolve beautifully over time.