Krug
Krug is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier Champagne houses, celebrated for its unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and complexity since its founding in 1843 by Joseph Krug. Situated in Reims, within France’s famed Champagne region, Krug has built its reputation on a philosophy of uncompromising quality, producing only prestige cuvées and eschewing mass-market styles. Each Krug Champagne is the result of meticulous blending and long cellaring, leading to a distinctively rich and nuanced expression that stands apart from most other Champagne producers.
Distinct from standard Champagne houses, Krug is best known for its signature Champagne, Krug Grande Cuvée. This multi-vintage blend is crafted from over 120 reserve wines, often spanning more than a decade, which imparts remarkable depth, complexity, and consistency, regardless of the vintage. Alongside the Grande Cuvée, Krug also offers distinguished single-vintage Champagnes—such as Krug Vintage and Krug Clos du Mesnil—each reflecting a particular year’s unique character or the nuances of a single vineyard site. Rosé fans are also well-served by Krug Rosé, a wine adored for its intensity, elegance, and gastronomic versatility.
Krug’s Champagnes are frequently differentiated by their opulent, toasty, and layered style, a product of both extended lees aging and fermentation in small oak barrels. This commitment to time-honored winemaking methods offers a contrast to the fresher, lighter styles often found elsewhere in the region. The house’s focus on blending across vintages and vineyard parcels results in wines renowned for their expressive aromatics, fine mousse, and lingering finish.
Historically, Krug’s approach has set it apart, garnering a devoted following among collectors and connoisseurs for over a century and a half. The Champagnes are versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with everything from aged cheeses and shellfish to richer dishes like roast poultry or decadent mushroom risotto. The texture, depth, and balance within each Krug release invite contemplation, making these bottles not just celebratory, but also contemplative, gastronomic companions.