6 bottles per lot
Details
KRUG
No other major champagne house exudes rarity and opulence more than Krug. Gaining almost cult-like status, Krug's legendary vintages age with grace and often surpass life expectations. The vinous nature of Krug champagne elevates its status beyond the world of sparkling wines. A mere 500,000 bottle production is dwarfed compared to over two million bottles made at other major houses, adding to Krug's mythical heights. The comparison is unfair, though, as Krug only produces prestige cuvies and even its non-vintage Grande Cuvie is termed "multi-vintage" and rivals many vintage champagnes.
Achieving this high standard for all champagne produced is not an easy feat. Sourcing quality fruit grows increasingly difficult each year, but Krug prides itself on the strong relationships it holds with the region's best growers that they rely upon. A stunning 98 percent of all grapes are from grand cru vineyards and most blends are around 40 percent Pinot Noir.
Several generations of winemaking craftsmanship are put to use in the creation of Krug today. Johann-Joseph Krug founded the house in 1843 and now, descendants Rémy and Henri are still in leading the way.
The house style is created by fermenting each cru separately in 205 liter, neutral barrels and the reserve wine is stored in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation is discouraged, giving the young wine racy acidity that translates into the incredibly long life that the finished champagne can achieve. No wine is disgorged until it is at least six years old.
In its youth, vintage Krug has enormous acidity that may require years of cellarage such as the '88 and the '82 vintages offered in this collection. 1976 represents one of the most full bodied vintages and its fullness The Clos du Mesnil is 100 percent Chardonnay from a 1.85 hectare walled in vineyard within the grand cru Le Mesnil and is only a recent addition with 1981 as the first vintage made.
Several lots of Krug Collection are also offered below and are late releases from the Krug cellars, sometimes recently disgorged. All offer excellent cellaring potential.
Krug--Vintage 1976
Reims
Excellent appearance
In original carton
"First presented at the Champagne Academy's annual dinner in May 1982. Already a deeper and more yellow colour than the '76 Pol Roger that preceded it, a rich wine needing bottle age. Nevertheless, drinking well, indeed perfectly, through the 1980s, managing, seemingly effortlessly, to combine substance and elegance. In its 19th year, opening Peter Ziegler's tasting at the Schlosshotel Erbach: palish, with a lime-yellow tinge; not very distinctive nose; very good flavour, crisp, lively, fragrant but surprisingly acidic. Most recently served after the '28 Perrier-Jouúet at my Bordeaux Club dinner: medium pale, lively, with pin-prick bubbles; delicious smoky nose; dry, mouthfilling, lovely, excellent acidity. Last tasted Feb 1998 **** And will continue to evolve.
6 bottles per lot
No other major champagne house exudes rarity and opulence more than Krug. Gaining almost cult-like status, Krug's legendary vintages age with grace and often surpass life expectations. The vinous nature of Krug champagne elevates its status beyond the world of sparkling wines. A mere 500,000 bottle production is dwarfed compared to over two million bottles made at other major houses, adding to Krug's mythical heights. The comparison is unfair, though, as Krug only produces prestige cuvies and even its non-vintage Grande Cuvie is termed "multi-vintage" and rivals many vintage champagnes.
Achieving this high standard for all champagne produced is not an easy feat. Sourcing quality fruit grows increasingly difficult each year, but Krug prides itself on the strong relationships it holds with the region's best growers that they rely upon. A stunning 98 percent of all grapes are from grand cru vineyards and most blends are around 40 percent Pinot Noir.
Several generations of winemaking craftsmanship are put to use in the creation of Krug today. Johann-Joseph Krug founded the house in 1843 and now, descendants Rémy and Henri are still in leading the way.
The house style is created by fermenting each cru separately in 205 liter, neutral barrels and the reserve wine is stored in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation is discouraged, giving the young wine racy acidity that translates into the incredibly long life that the finished champagne can achieve. No wine is disgorged until it is at least six years old.
In its youth, vintage Krug has enormous acidity that may require years of cellarage such as the '88 and the '82 vintages offered in this collection. 1976 represents one of the most full bodied vintages and its fullness The Clos du Mesnil is 100 percent Chardonnay from a 1.85 hectare walled in vineyard within the grand cru Le Mesnil and is only a recent addition with 1981 as the first vintage made.
Several lots of Krug Collection are also offered below and are late releases from the Krug cellars, sometimes recently disgorged. All offer excellent cellaring potential.
Krug--Vintage 1976
Reims
Excellent appearance
In original carton
"First presented at the Champagne Academy's annual dinner in May 1982. Already a deeper and more yellow colour than the '76 Pol Roger that preceded it, a rich wine needing bottle age. Nevertheless, drinking well, indeed perfectly, through the 1980s, managing, seemingly effortlessly, to combine substance and elegance. In its 19th year, opening Peter Ziegler's tasting at the Schlosshotel Erbach: palish, with a lime-yellow tinge; not very distinctive nose; very good flavour, crisp, lively, fragrant but surprisingly acidic. Most recently served after the '28 Perrier-Jouúet at my Bordeaux Club dinner: medium pale, lively, with pin-prick bubbles; delicious smoky nose; dry, mouthfilling, lovely, excellent acidity. Last tasted Feb 1998 **** And will continue to evolve.
6 bottles per lot