# Grande Cuvée (NV)

- **Producer:** Krug
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €245
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** dried fruit, ripe fruit, blossom, citrus, vanilla pastry cream, gingerbread, toasted bread, toasted hazelnut, brioche, honey, quince, almond, hazelnut, limoncello

## About this wine

Krug Grande Cuvée is the non-vintage flagship cuvée of the Krug Champagne house, established in 1843. The producer's core philosophy is to deliver the most generous expression of Champagne each year, transcending the variations of individual vintages. This is achieved by blending wines from a multitude of vintages, with a significant portion comprising reserve wines that can be over 15 years old. The wine originates from the Champagne AOC in France, a region known for its specific terroir conducive to sparkling wine production. The distinctive approach of Krug Grande Cuvée lies in its consistent re-creation, ensuring a unique fullness of flavor and aroma year after year through meticulous multi-vintage blending and extensive aging.

## Interesting facts

- Re-created annually, not tied to a single harvest year.
- Uses reserve wines dating back over 15 years.
- Each bottle is aged for at least six years in Krug cellars.
- Considered the 'most generous expression of Champagne'.

## Food pairing

The wine's richness and complexity can stand up to robust flavors. Its high acidity cuts through the richness of fatty foods, while its nuanced aromas can complement or contrast with various ingredients. The wine's texture and body provide a satisfying counterpoint to both delicate and substantial dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Krug Grande Cuvée begins with the vinification of grapes from individual vineyard plots, often in small oak barrels, to preserve their distinct characteristics. A crucial technique is the extensive blending of wines from multiple vintages, with reserve wines, some over 15 years old, forming a significant part of the final cuvée. This multi-vintage approach is central to achieving the wine's consistent and generous profile. Following blending, the wine undergoes extended aging, with bottles typically spending at least six years in the Krug cellars before release, allowing for the development of its complex flavors and textures.