Champagne Krug
Champagne house in Reims, Montagne de Reims.
- Village
- Reims
- Region
- Montagne de Reims
- Type of house
- NM · Négociant Manipulant
- Founded
- 1843
- Cuvées in the guide
- 31
Krug is a prestigious champagne house in Reims, founded in 1843 by Johann-Joseph Krug. It has been owned by LVMH since 1999, but is run by Olivier Krug (sixth generation) and winemaker Julie Cavil. The house is known for its focus on quality over quantity, with an annual production of only 500,000 to 600,000 bottles.
History
- Founding: Johann-Joseph Krug established the house in Reims to guarantee the same high quality every year, regardless of the weather.
- Family: The house was run by the Krug family for six generations, who expanded the range with prestigious lines.
- Takeover: In 1999 LVMH took over the house from Rémy Cointreau, after which the Krug family remained involved in management.
Vineyards
Krug owns approximately 20 hectares of its own vineyards, supplemented with grapes from local growers. Its holdings include two iconic walled clos:
- Clos du Mesnil: A 1.84-hectare plot in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, planted with Chardonnay.
- Clos d’Ambonnay: A 0.68-hectare plot in Ambonnay, planted with Pinot Noir.
Approach
Krug's philosophy rests on individuality, blending and patience.
- Vinification: Each vineyard plot is harvested and fermented separately in small 205-litre oak barrels.
- Selection: Only the best grapes are used; the rest are sold.
- Ageing: The bottles rest on the lees for at least six years in the cellars beneath Reims, meaning the full cycle from harvest to consumption can take more than 20 years.
Champagnes
Krug produces only prestige cuvées, including:
- Krug Grande Cuvée: The foundation of the house (80% of production), a blend of more than 120 wines from multiple vintages.
- Krug Rosé: A rosé champagne that is not made every year, but is always of high quality.
- Krug Vintage: Produced only in exceptional years.
- Clos du Mesnil: A rare Blanc de Blancs made from 100% Chardonnay.
- Clos d’Ambonnay: An even rarer Blanc de Noirs made from 100% Pinot Noir.
Cuvées by Krug
Importers
Krug is imported by: Best of Wines, Boonstra Wijnen, Colaris, De Larense Wijnkoperij, Gall & Gall, LVMH NL, Pasteuning Wines & Spirits BV, Thiessen Wijnkoopers.
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Krug: Best of Wines, Boonstra Wijnen, Bottle Hero, Bovino, Cavissima, De Larense Wijnkoperij, Gall & Gall, Heeren van de Wijn, L'Atelier du Champagne, Perfecte Wijn B.V., Qualivin, Wijnhandel Peeters.
All producers in the interactive guide · All Champagne houses