Krug Grande Cuvée 164ème Édition takes the cool, balanced 2008 harvest as its base and blends 127 wines from 11 different years. It leans towards Pinot Noir and shows plenty of freshness.
About This Champagne
In 2008 the aim was to complement the year's elegant intensity. Krug picked wines from the Montagne de Reims Sud for their freshness and from the Côte des Blancs for spice and warmth. Reserves account for 32% of the blend, the oldest from 1990, and the final mix is 48% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 17% Meunier.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Blossom, ripe and dried fruit, citrus, marzipan and gingerbread.
- Palate: Hazelnut, nougat, barley sugar and jellied citrus, with almond, brioche and honey.
- Finish: Broad and layered, with length from the Pinot Noir and a clean, fresh close.
Serving & Food
Chill lightly to about 10°C; too cold and the nutty notes disappear. A white-wine glass works better than a flute. Pair with crispy-skin roast goose, lobster noodles, or aged Gouda.
How to Enjoy
Hosts who want a flagship Champagne for a proper meal rather than just a toast.
Product Details
Producer: Krug
Origin: Champagne, France
Edition: Grande Cuvée 164ème Édition
Composition: 127 wines from 11 different years
Base Harvest: 2008
Reserve Wines: 32%, oldest from 1990
Blend: 48% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 17% Meunier
Volume: 750mL
About the Maison
Krug has largely been handed down from father to son. Paul Krug, who took over from his father in 1866, had his own son Joseph II working beside him by 1903. Paul Krug II followed, and his sons Henri and Rémi formed a close double act from the early 1960s, Henri concentrating on the wines and Rémi acting as the public face of the house.
Henri became president of the family company in 1977. The brothers later stepped back from day-to-day running but stayed on the Tasting Committee, passing on the house's way of tasting to the next generation.