Beschreibung:

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 cuvees and even its non-vintage Grande Cuvee is termed "multi-vintage" and rivals many vintage cuvees. 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 Rémi and Henri are still 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. 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. Krug Collection are also offered below and these are late releases from the Krug cellars, sometimes recently disgorged. All offer excellent cellaring potential. DVR Krug--Vintage 1985 Reims In original carton "Vintage Krug is the yardstick against which all vintage Champagnes are measured. They began selling the '85 in 1994. These majestic wines always require long bottle storage, but the '85 was surprisingly accessible from the start, with its wonderful, elusive nose of smoke, cream, honey, nuts, peaches and vanilla. The oak character doesn't stand out; rather, it is the elegant, velvety soft fruit - particularly Pinot Meunier from Leuvrigny - that is noticeable. Very long aftertaste of vanilla. During the last year of the 1990s the wine hit a clear rut that it still hasn't recovered from. I'm not going to drink my bottles until 2010." Richard Juhlin, 4000 Champagnes 6 magnums per lot