Few wines command as much respect—or offer as much nuance—as Prestige Champagne. These are not simply sparkling wines, but carefully woven expressions of terroir, patience, intuition, and centuries of craftsmanship.

This season, we highlight three of Champagne’s greatest cuvées: Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition, Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2013, and Dom Pérignon 2015—each representing a distinct philosophy of blending, ageing, and House style.

Whether you are attending our upcoming Prestige Champagne Masterclass or simply looking to understand the artistry behind these cuvées, this guide offers a deeper look at what makes each one exceptional.

Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition

A Symphony of Reserve Wines and Generous Expression

ABOUT THE WINE
Founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug, the House was built on a radical idea: to create the most complete expression of Champagne every single year—irrespective of vintage conditions. To achieve this, Krug vinifies each parcel separately in seasoned oak barrels, capturing micro-expressions of fruit and site character.

A deep library of around 150 reserve wines, some aged for up to 15 years, forms the backbone of every Grande Cuvée, giving each edition impressive depth and dimension. After blending, the wine is aged for at least seven years in bottle, ensuring complexity and harmony.

TASTING NOTES
Full, round, and unmistakably Krug:

layers of hazelnut, brioche, toasted almond, and rich citrus
a broad palate leading to a clean, lifted finish
structure and generosity intertwined

FOOD PAIRING
Its power and breadth make it one of the most versatile prestige cuvées:

mature hard cheeses
cured meats
lightly spiced Indian dishes
grilled seafood (particularly shrimp or langoustine)

Dom Ruinart 2013 Blanc de Blancs (Grand Cru)

Chalk, Light, and the Oldest Champagne House’s Signature Purity

ABOUT THE WINE
Ruinart, founded in 1729, holds the title of Champagne’s oldest maison. Known for its understated elegance, the House produces some of the region’s most refined Blanc de Blancs. The 2013 vintage—drawn exclusively from Grand Cru Chardonnay—is shaped by a cool season, lending tension, brightness, and precision.

TASTING NOTES
This release is pure, chiselled, and deeply expressive:

intense golden hue with youthful green reflections
aromas of toasted almonds, dried fruit, pastry, and bright citrus (grapefruit, bergamot)
accents of spring flowers, chalk, and a subtle smokiness
a straight, crystalline palate with peppery vibrancy and long mineral persistence

FOOD PAIRING
The wine’s linear freshness suits refined, textural dishes:

parsnip royale with chestnut
oysters with cauliflower mousseline
turbot with Champagne sauce and nori

FRIARWOOD SAYS
A masterclass in Chardonnay purity—aged in Ruinart’s ancient chalk cellars and presented in their iconic curved bottle, embodying the House’s dedication to quiet, timeless luxury.

Dom Pérignon 2015

A Vintage Marked by Precision, Tension, and Energy

ABOUT THE WINE
Moët & Chandon’s prestige cuvée, Dom Pérignon, is produced only in singular vintages. The 2015 season brought warmth and concentration with standout Pinot Noir and carefully selected Chardonnay. The final blend—51% Pinot Noir, 49% Chardonnay—is bottled with a restrained 4.5 g/L dosage, showcasing purity and focus.

TASTING NOTES
A poised and expressive Dom Pérignon with:

citrus peel, chalk, white flowers, mint, and white pepper
saline drive carrying ripe orchard fruit, toast, and smoke
refined texture and subtle phenolic grip
a long, sculpted, mineral backbone

FOOD PAIRING
A gastronomic Champagne built for the table:

scallops or turbot with beurre blanc
lobster tortellini
truffle risotto
oysters, sashimi, and other delicate umami dishes

FRIARWOOD SAYS
A brilliant encapsulation of the vintage—power from Pinot Noir, tension from Chardonnay.
Critics praise its elegance:

96/100, Vinous (Galloni)
95/100, Decanter (Castaing)
Drink now, or cellar for 10–20 years to reveal deeper layers.

Join Us: The Prestige Champagne Masterclass

Two tickets remain

On Wednesday 10 December, we invite you to an intimate guided tasting in Wimbledon Village, led by Moët Hennessy’s Prestige Champagne Ambassador, Angele Yang.

You will taste all three wines discussed above—Krug 172ème, Dom Ruinart 2013, and Dom Pérignon 2015—side by side, with professional insight and printed notes.

Event details:
📅 Wednesday 10 December
🕡 18:30–20:00
📍 Friarwood Wimbledon Village
💷 £150 per person (£30 redeemable on wines tasted)

An exceptional opportunity to compare three philosophies of Champagne at once—and a rare educational tasting for collectors and enthusiasts alike.