"Krug is a man's dream". This is the message that Olivier Krug, sixth generation of the Krug family and Director of the Maison, wishes to impress on the minds of Krug Lovers all over the world. The intent is to involve enthusiasts in the history of the Maison, strengthening the emotional bond with the brand and creating an interest that goes beyond the technical details of winemaking. It's about transforming the taste experience into a sentimental journey through generations of passion, dedication and family savoir-faire. Krug is not just a famous Champagne, but rather a living story of tradition, progress and love for oenological excellence that has been perpetuated over the centuries.
The Maison Krug, founded in Reims in 1843 by Joseph Krug, embodies the dream of its founder, a non-conformist man, a visionary animated by ambition and uncompromising determination. Moved by the idea that pleasure represented the very essence of Champagne, Joseph Krug dedicated his life to the audacious project of creating the best Champagne in the world every year, capable of successfully defying the meteorological uncertainties of the vintage. Way ahead of his time, Joseph Krug went beyond the traditional idea of Millésimé to produce a cuvée that, without exception, was the grandest and most authentic expression of Champagne, and which maintained the same impeccable level of excellence and distinction.
Today Krug offers seven Champagnes, each a unique interpretation of the mastery that characterizes the Maison, able of giving an unforgettable sensorial experience to its tasters.
From the inspiration of Joseph Krug's dream, Krug Grande Cuvée comes to life. The first Édition dates back to the 1845 harvest and since then, once a year, a new Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée has been created. Krug Grande Cuvée represents the most generous essence of Champagne: an exceptional blend made up of over 120 wines selected from over 10 different vintages, which blend together to create an intense texture of unique flavors and aromas that only the richness of different harvests can offer. After its creation, each bottle ages in the Krug cellars for at least seven years. The number of editions of Krug Grande Cuvée corresponds to the number of times this act of sublime creation was performed, as well as the number of times Joseph Krug's dream was realized.
If Krug Grande Cuvée is the reflection of a blend which adapts itself to the characteristics of each vintage, Krug Vintage is instead the "Champagne of circumstances", as Joseph Krug liked to define it, because it was created only in years whose history is worthy of mention.
Krug Vintage is the extraordinary testimony of the meticulous work and constant commitment from the side of Maison Krug. Produced exclusively in exceptional years, each Krug Millésimé is a symphony of flavor and complexity, achieved through a blend of the most expressive wines of that particular vintage. The refinement of over ten years in the cellars of the Maison allows the Krug Vintage Champagnes to reach their maximum expression, depth and richness, unrepeatable creations transformed into true artwork.
Krug 2011 and Krug Grande Cuvée 167ème Édition match in Les Créations de 2011, two extraordinary oenological jewels in a limited edition gift box; the interpretation of the 2011 vintage, the Maison's homage to Joseph Krug.
2011 was a particularly challenging year for the Maison which had to face unusual climatic conditions, with an exceptionally warm spring which accelerated the development and flowering of the vines, followed by unexpected cool temperatures and considerable rainfall. Shortly before the harvest, the days of extreme heat gave way to intense rain and a sudden drop in temperatures. Despite the adverse climatic conditions, the harvest which took place from 25 August to 3 September resulted in a homogeneous maturation of the grapes.
Julie Cavil, Chef de Caves of the Maison, describes the 2011 vintage as stunning, with wines from the most unexpected vineyards, which particularly stood out. She continues by stating: “the climate had a strong impact on the wines, almost to the point of “cooking” the fruits with heat, while the sugar content remained moderate.”
Krug 2011 is the result of the meticulous blending of Pinot Noir (46%), Chardonnay (37%) and Meunier (17%) wines, a lively mix of delicious contrasts: the Pinot Noir grapes dominate the blend, contributing to the structure and balance of the wine, the Chardonnay grapes, influenced by summer heat stroke, offer aromas of ripe and juicy fruit, while the Meunier grapes bring freshness and delicate bittering notes.
The 2011 vintage returned a fascinating vintage, a balance of elegance, power and spontaneity that makes it unparalleled. Krug 2011 is sumptuous, also thanks to the long aging of twelve years in the cellars of the Maison which makes its profile even more expressive and refined, a harmonious symphony.
The tasting notes celebrate the greatness of Krug 2011: it enchants the eye with its golden and luminous shades; on the nose it is fresh with fruity notes of apricots and white fruits, together with sparkling notes of fresh citrus fruits and a light minty note, with a subtle presence of liquorice and basil on the finish. Aromas of cooked and caramelized fruit emerge in the mouth, enriched by notes of dried fruit and toasted notes that intertwine with delicate smoky nuances, thyme and rosemary. The finish is lively and persistent, with hints of blood orange, sea salt and grapefruit peel.
Krug 2011 is a Champagne of personality and character, opulent and resolute but at the same time fresh and vibrant; a “Lively Roundness” as defined by the Maison's Tasting Committee.
Next to Krug 2011, Krug Grande Cuvée 167ème Édition shines, also made from the 2011 harvest. The blend is the careful selection of a great variety of vineyards and vintages, which give Krug Grande Cuvée its magnificence: 191 wines from 13 different vintages (which constitute 42% of the final blend), the oldest of which dates back to 1995. The long refinement for at least 12 years in the Maison's cellars enriches the wine with an extraordinary breadth and enveloping roundness, a complex expression and refined elegance, essential characteristics that define each edition of Krug Grande Cuvée.
A shimmering golden color welcomes fine, lively bubbles that are an invitation to celebration. The aromas of fresh flowers mix delicately with the sweetness of ripe fruit and the richness of dried fruit; marzipan and gingerbread add spicy depth, while citrus notes refresh and enliven the senses. Subtle hints of hazelnut and nougat blend harmoniously with the sweet scent of barley sugar and the freshness of fruit jelly. The crunchy almonds and the soft brioche complete this symphony of flavours, while the honey envelops everything in a golden embrace.
Les Créations de 2011 by Krug is an exciting sensorial experience, a journey into the historical memory of the Maison which preserves the legacy of Joseph Krug with pride and dedication. A dedication to the past, but also a look to the future, where excellence and creativity come together to create a unique and unforgettable experience.
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