{"product_id":"krug-grande-cuvee-nv","title":"Krug Grande Cuvée NV 173th Edition","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background and History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFounded in 1843 by Johann‑Joseph Krug in Reims, Champagne Krug remains family-led despite ownership by LVMH. The house is renowned for its artisanal blending philosophy, prioritizing consistency, complexity, and elegance through meticulous selection of base and reserve wines. Krug Grande Cuvée exemplifies this approach, blending over a hundred wines from multiple vintages to capture the depth of the house style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer and Wine Maker\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eKrug’s winemaking team is led by Cellar Master Eric Lebel and overseen by sixth-generation family member Olivier Krug. They collaborate with a tasting committee including Julie Cavil, Raphaele Leon‑Grillon, and Laurent Halbin. The team rigorously tastes hundreds of samples to craft each unique Grande Cuvée blend each year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyards and Micro Climate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eKrug owns approximately 30% of its grapes—around 20 hectares in top crus like Ambonnay, Aÿ, Le Mesnil, and Trépail. The rest comes from long-term contracts with over 70 growers across 250 select plots. The region offers chalky soils and a cool maritime climate, supporting balanced ripening and freshness in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification \u0026amp; Aging Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eEach parcel is vinified separately in old 205‑L oak casks, later transferred to stainless steel. Reserve wines are aged in Krug’s extensive library for decades. Blending can involve up to 150 wines from 10–15 vintages. The base wine and reserve blend undergo secondary fermentation and age on lees for at least six years pre-release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBright golden hue with lively mousse. Aromas of white flowers, brioche, lemon zest, ginger spice, almond, and pie crust. The palate is richly textured with flavors of grilled nuts, salted butter, white peach, and yellow plum, ending with vibrant citrus and sea-salty finish, underpinned by elegant minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003ePairs superbly with oysters, shellfish, sushi, foie gras, roasted chicken, creamy cheeses, and lightly spiced dishes. Its richness and depth complement seafood and richer textures, while high acidity cuts through fatty flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods and Temperatures\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eServe at 9–11 °C in a large tulip-shaped Champagne glass to preserve aromas and encourage mousse. Chill slowly from fridge or ice bucket before service. No decanting necessary; gentle swirl and tasting straight from the bottle highlights its complex layers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Aging Potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eDrinks beautifully young yet ages gracefully for 20+ years under proper conditions (10–12 °C, stable humidity, away from light). Over time, develops tertiary notes like toasted nuts, dried fruits, honey, and sandalwood while maintaining freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape Varietals \u0026amp; percentage used\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e≈45 % Pinot Noir, ≈37 % Chardonnay, ≈18 % Pinot Meunier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV (Alcohol by Volume)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e≈12 % ABV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScores\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eJames Suckling: 99\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWine Enthusiast: 97\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWine Spectator: 96\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRobert Parker (Wine Advocate): 95\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chelsea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47922285019350,"sku":null,"price":1650.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/5465\/4934\/files\/KrugGrandeCuveeNV.png?v=1773668354","url":"https:\/\/www.pinotera.com\/products\/krug-grande-cuvee-nv","provider":"Pinotera Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}