Krug Grande Cuvee 171 Edition Brut 750ml (gift boxed)

Krug Grande Cuvée 171 Edition Brut is a remarkable expression of Champagne, created around the exceptional Pinot Noir harvest of 2015. Rather than relying on a single vintage, Krug combines wines from numerous vineyards and harvest years to achieve greater complexity, generosity and balance.

This edition brings together 131 individual wines from 12 different years, with the oldest wine dating from 2000 and the youngest from 2015. Reserve wines account for 42 percent of the final blend, adding maturity, richness and layers of flavour that could not be achieved through one harvest alone. The final composition is 45 percent Pinot Noir, 37 percent Chardonnay and 18 percent Meunier.

The bottles spent approximately seven years resting in Krug’s cellars, allowing the Champagne to develop its generous texture, fine bubbles and remarkable harmony. More than 20 years of craftsmanship are represented within this single bottle, from the oldest reserve wine through to its final release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Flowers in bloom, ripe orchard fruit, dried citrus, marzipan and gingerbread, with deeper notes of toasted nuts and warm spice.

Palate: Rich and expansive, with quince, lemon, limoncello, almond paste and dried fruit. Fine, lively bubbles provide freshness and precision, balancing the Champagne’s generous texture.

Finish: Long, layered and persistent, with lingering citrus, grilled almond, pastry and subtle savoury complexity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve between 9°C and 12°C in a generous Champagne glass to allow its aromas and flavours to fully open.

Krug Grande Cuvée 171st Edition is exceptional as an aperitif and equally impressive throughout a meal. Pair it with oysters, grilled prawns, mature Comté, aged Parmesan, roast poultry, turbot, truffle dishes or richly spiced Indian and Moroccan cuisine. It can also complement tarte Tatin, cheesecake or carrot cake.

About The Producer And Region

Maison Krug was founded in Reims in 1843 by Joseph Krug, who believed that the finest Champagne should be created every year, regardless of variations in weather and harvest conditions. His solution was to respect the individuality of every vineyard parcel and build an extensive collection of reserve wines from many different years.

This philosophy remains central to Krug today. Grapes from each vineyard parcel are harvested, pressed and fermented separately, creating individual wines that preserve the character of their origin. The cellar master and tasting committee then assess hundreds of wines before selecting the final blend for each new edition of Krug Grande Cuvée.

The Champagne region of northern France is known for its cool climate, chalk rich soils and long tradition of blending Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier. These conditions help create wines with natural acidity, freshness and exceptional ageing potential. Krug draws on vineyards throughout the region, selecting each wine for its individual personality rather than following a fixed hierarchy of villages or parcels.

The 171st Edition was built around the 2015 harvest, a season marked by heat and drought before late August rain helped the grapes complete their ripening. Strong Pinot Noir parcels provided generosity, spice and structure, while selected Chardonnay and Meunier reserve wines added freshness, tension, maturity and toasted complexity.

Collector’s Note

The edition number identifies the number of times Joseph Krug’s original vision for Grande Cuvée has been recreated. The 171 Edition is therefore a distinct release with its own blend, harvest foundation and ageing history.

Its combination of 131 wines, 42 percent reserve wine and a span of harvests reaching back to 2000 makes it a highly collectable expression. It offers immediate richness and complexity while retaining the freshness and structure required for further bottle development.

Cellaring Potential

Beautifully expressive now, particularly after a little time in the glass. It may also be cellared for 10 years or longer under suitable conditions, gaining deeper notes of toasted nuts, spice, dried fruit and pastry.

Store lying down in a cool, dark environment with a stable temperature. Krug recommends storing and serving its Champagne between 9°C and 12°C.

Details

Producer: Maison Krug

Edition: 171 Edition

Style: Brut Champagne

Base Harvest: 2015

Variety: 45 percent Pinot Noir, 37 percent Chardonnay, 18 percent Meunier

Region: Champagne, France

Blend: 131 wines from 12 different years

Oldest Reserve Wine: 2000

Reserve Wine: 42 percent

Cellar Ageing: Approximately seven years

Bottle Size: 750ml