For most wine and Champagne connoisseurs and enthusiasts, Krug Champagne is some of the finest in the world. Since its founding in 1843, it set the standard as the world’s first luxury Champagne. In this article, we’re delving into the interesting history of this famous bubbly.
Krug was founded by Joseph Krug, a German immigrant from Maine on the Rhine. He learned his trade at ChampagneJacquesson for almost a decade before he went independent and set up his own Champaign House, situated at Reims.
Passion, expertise, and innovation behind the creation of the world’s first luxury Champagne
Krug was determined to do something truly different with his Champagne – to make it stand out from the traditions of the nineteenth century. He wanted a drink that symbolised pleasure, that created contrast and excitement with every sip. He was passionate about the quality of the soil, weather, and terroir, believing that the earth and climate were critical to the creation of exceptional Champagnes. Creating his own, unique blend, he changed the world of Champagne forever, and his fluency in English, French, German, and Russian helped take this new and exciting Krug Champagne to the world.
Growth of a sparkling empire
The early twentieth century was a time of turmoil for House Krug, with Joseph’s death and the events of the Great War creating uncertainty and unprecedented challenges. Out of this, his son, Paul Krug, created what many critics have called the best Champagnes of the century.
Over the years, Krug remained in family hands, being passed from father to son, and continuing the legacy of Joseph through attention to detail, absolute care of the vines, and nurturing throughout the process. In 1999, Krug was sold to luxury brands conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, with sixth-generation son Olivier Krug retaining control of the house’s reputation and style.
Insight into Krug Champagnes
All wines produced by Krug are first fermented in 205-litre well-seasoned oak barrels sourced from the Forest of Argonne and Central France. Each cru is vinified independently avoiding malolactic fermentation, and letting gravity handle the two rackings. Reserve wines are then transferred to stainless steel tanks.
Krug produces approximately 40,000 cases of Champagne each year, with the Krug Grand Cuvée accounting for 80% of production. They also produce a multi-vintage Rosé, Vintage Brut, and a vintage single-vineyard blanc de noir known as Clos d’Ambonnay, the famous vintage single-vineyard Clos du Mesnil. There are also additional releases from older vintages, like the Krug Collection series.
These Champagnes are made from all three Champagne varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir, with the Chardonnay taking the main stage in the Grande Cuvee. The flagship single vineyard vintage (Clos de Mesnil) is made in the Blanc de Blanc style and is unblended, pure Chardonnay.
House Krug has stood the test of time, developing and delivering some of the most beautiful and elegant Champagnes on the market, and keeping the legacy of Joseph Krug alive and well today.
