PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Krug does not make a house style by vintage. Founded by Joseph Krug in 1843, the house has one idea: every year, to blend the most accomplished Champagne possible, without being constrained by a single harvest, using wines from a library of reserves going back decades. Grande Cuvée is that idea in a bottle, a multi-vintage Champagne often described as the most complete expression of what a blended Champagne can be, and each release is numbered as an “Édition,” beginning with the first Edition that Joseph Krug blended. The 174th is the latest.
It is built around the 2018 harvest, a year of mild weather and healthy grapes with even ripening, which accounts for 64% of the blend, with 36% reserve wines from ten different vintages, the oldest dating to 2001. In all, 143 individual wines contribute, 54% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, and 17% Meunier, and Pinot Noir is at its highest proportion of the last dozen Grande Cuvées. Each plot is fermented separately in some 4,300 small 205-liter oak pièces, then the blend was decided in 2019 by the then chef de cave, Éric Lebel, before Julie Cavil took over in 2020. After blending, the Champagne rests at least six years in Krug’s cellars, so, as the house says, “over 20 years of careful craftsmanship were necessary to enjoy Krug Grande Cuvée 174ème Édition.” Each bottle has a Krug iD code on the back label, which lets customers look up the exact blend.
Krug’s tasting notes: “Intense gold. Expressive toasted aromas with notes of dried fruit, light smoky nuances, mandarin and candied citrus. Mouthwatering, with vibrant hints of tangerine and citrus underscored by notes of chocolate, beeswax and fruit confection. A harmonious, generous and rich mouthfeel gives way to an elegant, slightly bitter finish.” Millesima adds “a subtle touch of camphor and a light hint of petrol,” with a “delicate touch of bitterness” at the end.
It is a new release, so the critic coverage is still arriving. Falstaff’s panel scored it 97 (September 2026): “Base vintage is 2018. Fine perlage. Dense, seductive, yeasty bouquet with notes of fresh brioche, dried peach, freshly grated orange zest, white flowers, and a delicate hint of pear in the background. Compact mousse. Good body, juicy, elegant acidity, lovely creaminess, fine grip, yellow fruit, mandarin, freshly cut nectarines, grapefruit zest, a hint of saltiness on the finish, long.” The World of Fine Wine called it “a very good Grande Cuvée that will show even more with time,” noting that the 2018 base made for “a generous, immaculate” blend, in contrast to the challenging 2017 behind the 173rd Édition. For context, the CellarTracker community averages 93 points across more than 2,500 notes on Grande Cuvée overall.
It’s a rich, toasty, complex Champagne for people who want the pinnacle of non-vintage Champagne, a special-occasion gift, and a food wine for lobster, foie gras, roast chicken, aged Parmesan, and truffle dishes. Serve it at 10-12°C in a tulip glass or a white wine glass, and give it a few minutes to open.
Krug Grande Cuvée 174ème Édition is produced by Champagne Krug in Reims, Champagne, France (founded 1843). A multi-vintage blend of 143 wines from 10 vintages: 64% from the 2018 harvest and 36% reserve wines (oldest 2001), with 54% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, and 17% Meunier. Each parcel fermented separately in small oak pièces. Rested at least 6 years in the cellars. 12% ABV, 750ml.
Falstaff — 97 Points (September 2026):
“Base vintage is 2018. Fine perlage. Dense, seductive, yeasty bouquet with notes of fresh brioche, dried peach, freshly grated orange zest, white flowers, and a delicate hint of pear in the background. Compact mousse. Good body, juicy, elegant acidity, lovely creaminess, fine grip, yellow fruit, mandarin, freshly cut nectarines, grapefruit zest, a hint of saltiness on the finish, long.”
The World of Fine Wine (score not shown):
“A very good Grande Cuvée that will show even more with time.”
Decanter (“Krug’s new releases: Two vintages for the ages”; score not shown):
Praised the 174th Édition, built around “the generous, immaculate 2018 vintage.”
Krug (tasting notes):
“Intense gold. Expressive toasted aromas with notes of dried fruit, light smoky nuances, mandarin and candied citrus. Mouthwatering, with vibrant hints of tangerine and citrus underscored by notes of chocolate, beeswax and fruit confection. A harmonious, generous and rich mouthfeel gives way to an elegant, slightly bitter finish.”
Nose
Intense gold. Toasted aromas, dried fruit, light smoky nuances, mandarin, and candied citrus, with brioche, dried peach, and white flowers.
Palate
Mouthwatering and generous, with tangerine, citrus, nectarine, chocolate, beeswax, and fruit confection, with a creamy texture.
Finish
Long and elegant, with a slightly bitter note, saltiness, and grapefruit zest.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Non-Vintage Brut Champagne — Prestige Multi-Vintage Blend |
| Edition | Grande Cuvée 174ème Édition |
| Blend | 54% Pinot Noir · 29% Chardonnay · 17% Meunier |
| Base Vintage | 2018 (64%) |
| Reserve Wines | 36% from 10 vintages (oldest 2001); 143 wines in all |
| Winemaking | Each parcel fermented separately in small oak pièces; 6+ years in the cellar |
| Producer | Champagne Krug — Reims (founded 1843) |
| ABV | 12% |
| Critics | Falstaff 97; World of Fine Wine and Decanter praised |
| Serving Temperature | 10–12°C |
| Style / Identity | A rich, toasty, layered benchmark blended Champagne |
| Aromas & Flavors | Toast, dried fruit, mandarin, candied citrus, brioche, beeswax, chocolate |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Serve at about 10-12°C in a tulip or white wine glass; allow a few minutes to open.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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