While the holidays are over, it is never a bad time to write about a top Champagne. One of the storied Champagne houses, Krug was founded by Joseph Krug in 1843. The house is based in Reims and is currently owned by LVMH Moet Hennessy whose portfolio includes famed French houses like Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Chateau d’Yquem and Ruinart. Originally from Mainz (modern day Germany), Joseph Krug moved to Paris to work in accounting for Champagne Jacquesson and learned so much about Champagne that he began making his own privately. A brilliant linguist, Joseph spoke French, English and German and spoke some Russian, which put his Champagne house in good position to sell to overseas markets.
Following Joseph’s death his son, Paul Krug, took over and began selling Krug across Great Britain. There was great turmoil at the house folowing Paul’s death in 1910 with two World Wars, although many people contend that the best Champagnes of the century were made between 1926 and 1928. While I have never had these wines, many critics have said that they are some of the best wines that they have ever tried.
Krug produces a host of wines including Krug ‘Grande Cuvée’ (which I reviewed), as well as a stunning non-vintage rosé, a vintage Blanc, a vintage Blanc de Blancs from the Clos du Mesnil Vineyard, a vintage Blanc de Noirs from the Clos d'Ambonnay Vineyard and older vintages released as Krug Collection series. I have had that ‘Grand Cuvee’ many times in the past and this recent edition is probably the best one I have sampled. This particular wine was released in Spring 2017 and is a blend of 191 wines. I cannot believe how challenging that must be, blending wines from a range from 1995-2011. The current release shows incredible range from citrus rind to musty terroir. It is a dazzling Champagne that is built to age. Learn more about these very special wines at https://www.krug.com Here is my review of the new ‘Grand Cuvee’ Champagne by Krug.
NV Krug ‘Grand Cuvée’ Champagne- The ‘Grand Cuvee’ by Krug is a simply sensational effort that is drinking marvelously now but will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. This particular wine was disgorged in Spring 2017 and is a blend of 191 wines ranging from vintages 1995-2011. The nose shows wonderful mustiness with white truffle and peat moss with bright nectarine rind, toasted macadamia nut, kumquat and Marzipan aromatics. The aromatic range is insanely good and as this beautiful wine continues to breathe the nutty and musty aromatics build power in the glass. The brightness and intensity on the palate excites with wonderful weight and a rich texture as well as a dazzling minerality. Mouth-watering acidity accompanies this beautiful Champagne with lemon zest, wild mushroom and ginger infused sourdough bread flavors with diatomaceous earth undertones all impress. A stunner, this heavyhitter of a Chamagne is glorious now but will continue to evolve over the next two decades. Drink 2018-2040- 97