Krug Grande Cuvée 173ème Edition Brut

Krug is among the most highly regarded of the Champagne houses, and Grande Cuvee is its signature multi-vintage blend, assembled each year from a large library of reserve wines drawn across many harvests. This is the 173rd Edition, based on the three classic Champagne grapes. The wine is made by the traditional method and then held on its lees in bottle for an extended period, well beyond the regional minimum, which is where its layered, autolytic character comes from. A low Brut dosage keeps the focus on structure and precision rather than sweetness.

The colour is a deep golden yellow with a fine, persistent bead. The nose is complex, with toasted bread, hazelnut and biscuit over ripe apple, citrus peel and stone fruit. The palate is full and precise, with layered fruit, a creamy mousse and a long, dry finish. Serve at 8 to 10 degrees in a white wine glass to let the aromatics open. It suits an aperitif and shows well with shellfish, fine fish and hard nutty cheeses.