Today we share one of the storied (and one of my favorite) Champagne houses. Krug was founded by Joseph Krug all the way back 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 following 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.
For many years Krug has crafted a range of wines including their famous ‘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 was blown away with the 170 eme. Edition ‘Grande Cuvée’ which is an insanely good blend of195 wines from 12 different years — with the youngest being from the 2014 vintage. I love the range in this wine which is everything from kumquat to earthy and stony tones. It is quite simply a masterpiece. Learn more about these very special wines at https://www.krug.com Here is my review of the new ‘Grande Cuvee’ Champagne by Krug.
Krug Grande Cuvée 170 eme Edition Champagne- I am blown away with the 170 ed. of ‘Grande Cuvée which combines 195 wines from 12 different years (youngest being from 2014). The final blend is 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 11% Pinot Meunier, as they utilize a 2014 base. The palate is silky and elegant with an incredible mousse that immediately gratifies. Layers of kumquat zest, ginger, cardamom dusted sourdough bread and green papaya all deftly combine on the palate. Showing good weight and beautiful underlying finesse, with salty and stony undertones, this is drinking marvelously well even so young. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2037- 96