Krug 2006: A Legendary Year for Champagne Excellence

In the realm of luxury wine, Krug Champagne stands unparalleled. The 2006 vintage is a masterpiece, epitomizing champagne craftsmanship at its finest. This vintage champagne encapsulates Krug’s unwavering commitment to quality, a tradition that began in 1843.

The Krug 2006 exemplifies the perfect synergy between nature and winemaking prowess. It is a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 20% Meunier, reflecting the 2006 climate. The year’s high temperatures, August rainfall, and a sun-drenched harvest contributed to its remarkable generosity and expressiveness.

Wine aficionados and collectors alike have hailed the Krug 2006 as a standout. Its precision, elegance, and richness make it a coveted addition to any cellar. The champagne’s complex flavor profile, with notes of brioche and toast, combined with the vivacity of Meunier grapes, offers an unforgettable sensory experience.

Key Takeaways

• Krug 2006 is a masterpiece vintage champagne
• Blend: 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 20% Meunier
• 2006 was one of the hottest years in Champagne
• Unique climate conditions led to a generous and expressive champagne
• Krug’s dedication to quality dates back to its founding in 1843
• The vintage showcases precision, elegance, and richness

The Legacy of Krug Champagne House: From 1843 to Present

The Krug history commenced in 1843, when Joseph Krug founded the champagne house in Reims. This family-owned winery has evolved into a symbol of luxury and excellence in the champagne world.

Joseph Krug’s Visionary Philosophy

Joseph Krug envisioned crafting the finest champagne annually, regardless of climate fluctuations. This vision established Krug’s reputation for producing exceptional champagnes. The house blends over 120 wines from 10 different years, demonstrating their dedication to quality and complexity.

Six Generations of Excellence

For nearly two centuries, six generations of the Krug family have enriched their champagne heritage. Each generation has contributed to the legacy, with the fifth generation introducing the Krug Rosé in 1983. Today, Olivier Krug, representing the sixth generation, continues to uphold Joseph Krug’s original vision.

The Family House in Reims

The family house in Reims is at the heart of Krug’s operations. This historic location functions as both a production facility and a welcoming space for champagne enthusiasts. Krug owns 21 hectares of vineyards and sources additional grapes from local growers. The wines are vinified in 205-liter oak barrels, averaging 20 years old, before undergoing extensive aging.

Understanding Krug 2006: A Masterpiece Vintage

The Krug 2006 blend is a testament to the House of Krug’s unwavering dedication to excellence. This vintage year exemplifies the winemakers’ skill in creating a champagne that embodies the spirit of an exceptional growing season.

Blend Composition

The Krug 2006 blend presents a harmonious balance of grape varieties:

Climate Conditions of 2006

The 2006 vintage was characterized by weather extremes, notably a significant heatwave. These unique conditions contributed to the distinctive vintage characteristics of Krug 2006, distinguishing it from other years.

Tasting Profile and Character

Krug 2006 offers a sensory journey with its champagne tasting notes. The nose reveals hints of brioche and toast, while the palate experiences a vivacious touch from the Meunier. Nougat flavors dance on the tongue, leading to a finish with a subtle orange zest. This vintage embodies generosity and approachability, perfectly expressing Krug’s house style.

The Art of Krug’s Winemaking Process

Krug’s champagne production stands as a pinnacle of meticulous craftsmanship. Since 1843, the house has perfected its winemaking techniques, yielding exceptional champagnes annually. At the core of their process is the Krug method, a distinctive approach that distinguishes them in the realm of fine sparkling wines.

The Krug method entails blending over 120 different wines from more than 10 various years to forge their signature Grande Cuvée. This complex process demands a profound comprehension of each wine’s essence and potential. The winemaking team meticulously records around 4000 tasting notes over five months, ensuring every detail is meticulously captured.

A pivotal element in Krug’s champagne production is their employment of small oak barrels. These barrels, averaging 25 years old, are instrumental in the first fermentation. They shield the wine from oxidation, amplifying its intensity and character. Krug’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their judicious management of barrel stock, employing minimal new barrels each year.

The aging process is equally crucial in Krug’s winemaking techniques. Their Grande Cuvée spends approximately seven years in Krug’s cellars, maturing into its distinct expression and elegance. This prolonged aging period allows the champagne to reach its zenith before its release.

The Krug method embodies the house’s unwavering commitment to crafting the most generous expression of Champagne. Through their unique winemaking techniques, Krug continues to produce champagnes that captivate connoisseurs globally.

Krug Grande Cuvée: The Foundation of Excellence

Krug Grande Cuvée is the cornerstone of Krug’s champagne legacy. It represents the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship in the sparkling wine world.

Annual Edition Creation Process

Every year, Krug crafts a new Grande Cuvée edition. This involves blending over 120 individual wines from more than 10 different years. The 170ème Édition is a testament to this artistry, combining 195 wines from 12 years, ranging from 1998 to 2014.

Reserve Wine Library

Krug’s extensive library of reserve wines is crucial for Grande Cuvée creation. These wines, making up 45% of the blend, add depth and complexity. For the 170ème Édition, reserve wines from 11 years complement the base vintage of 2014.

Aging Requirements

Patience is essential in perfecting Krug Grande Cuvée. Each edition matures for about seven years in Krug’s cellars before release. This extended aging process allows the champagne to develop its signature richness and harmony.

The 170ème Édition of Krug Grande Cuvée, disgorged in autumn 2021, has received critical acclaim. Scores range from 95 to 96 points. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy this exceptional multi-vintage champagne now or cellar it for up to 20 years, showcasing its remarkable aging potential.

Sensory Journey Through Krug 2006

The Krug 2006 tasting experience is a sensory delight that captivates wine enthusiasts. This exceptional vintage showcases the mastery of Krug’s winemaking tradition. It offers a unique flavor profile that lingers on the palate.

Aromatic Profile

The champagne aromas of Krug 2006 are rich and enticing. Upon first sniff, notes of brioche and toasted bread fill the air. These inviting scents set the stage for a complex olfactory journey that hints at the depth of flavors to come.

Palate Expression

On the palate, Krug 2006 reveals its true character. The Meunier grape brings a lively freshness, while subtle nougat flavors add depth. A touch of orange zest on the finish provides a delightful contrast. This champagne is generous yet refined, offering an elegant and complex flavor profile that’s easy to appreciate.

Aging Potential

Krug 2006 boasts impressive aging potential. While already expressing finesse and complexity, this vintage will continue to develop over time. Wine collectors can expect the flavors to deepen and evolve, promising an even more rewarding tasting experience in the years to come.

For a unique pairing, consider the upcoming KRUG FOUR HANDS DINNER featuring a “lemon” theme, presented by Krug ambassador chefs from Japan and Singapore. This limited-time event promises to enhance the sensory journey of Krug 2006 with complementary culinary creations.

Collecting and Investment Value

Krug champagne is a pinnacle for collectors and investors in the realm of fine wines. The 2006 vintage, in particular, has captured global attention in wine auctions. Its rarity and superior quality make it a coveted piece for collections of iconic wines.

Krug investment has proven to be highly profitable, with older vintages commanding significant prices. For example, a bottle of Krug Vintage 1915 sold at Sotheby’s for an astonishing $116,000. Even more recent vintages, such as the 1982 and 1988, fetch respectable prices, ranging from £850 to £950 and £675 to £775 per bottle, respectively.

Champagne collectors highly value Krug for its consistent quality and aging potential. The house ages its vintage offerings for an average of 10 years, exceeding the legal minimum of 3 years. This extended aging enhances the complexity and investment value of Krug champagnes.

Wine auctions featuring Krug often attract considerable attention. The rarity of Krug’s single vineyard cuvées, Clos du Mesnil and Clos d’Ambonnay, significantly increases their appeal among collectors. These exceptional champagnes, produced from tiny plots, represent the zenith of Krug’s craftsmanship and command premium prices in the market.

Perfect Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Krug 2006 presents a champagne experience of unparalleled quality. It can be further enhanced through precise serving techniques and strategic food pairings. Let’s dive into the nuances of fully appreciating this vintage masterpiece.

Temperature Guidelines

The temperature at which Krug 2006 is served is critical in revealing its intricate flavors. The ideal range is between 9°C to 12°C (48°F to 54°F). Serving it too cold can obscure its rich aromas and flavors. If stored in the fridge, allow it to warm up for about 15 minutes before serving.

Gastronomic Combinations

Krug 2006’s versatility is evident in its champagne food pairing capabilities. Its harmonious balance of acidity and richness pairs well with a broad spectrum of dishes. Consider pairing it with:

• Seafood: Oysters, lobster, or seared scallops
• Poultry: Roasted chicken with herbs
• Cheese: Aged Comté or Parmesan
• Desserts: Fruit-based tarts or crème brûlée

Glassware Recommendations

The choice of wine glasses significantly impacts the Krug 2006 experience. Opt for tulip-shaped champagne flutes or white wine glasses with a slightly wider bowl. These shapes concentrate aromas and allow the bubbles to develop optimally. The Joseph glass, designed by Riedel for Krug, is an exemplary choice for showcasing this champagne’s full potential.

It’s worth noting that Krug’s unique iD system on each bottle provides personalized pairing suggestions and music recommendations. This adds a unique dimension to your tasting experience.

Limited Edition Releases and Market Availability

Krug limited editions captivate the wine market with their exclusivity and quality. The Krug 2006 vintage stands out as a prime example of these sought-after champagne releases. With a blend of 48% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 17% Pinot Meunier, this vintage spent over a decade aging in Krug’s cellars before its release.

The 2006 Krug Vintage has garnered high praise from critics, earning scores between 95 and 99 points. Its aromatic profile boasts white flowers, smoke, and toasted hazelnuts. Wine enthusiasts and collectors eagerly anticipate these releases, driving demand in the fine wine market.

Krug’s approach to winemaking ensures consistency across vintages. The team blends wines from various vineyard sites and uses an extensive library of reserve wines. This method allows Krug to maintain excellence despite yearly climate variations.

The limited availability of Krug champagnes adds to their allure in the wine market. Krug Clos du Mesnil, for instance, sees only about 12,000 bottles produced per vintage. This scarcity, combined with the brand’s reputation for excellence, makes Krug releases highly desirable for both collectors and investors.

Conclusion

Krug 2006 epitomizes champagne excellence, encapsulating the champagne legacy of the House of Krug since 1843. This vintage embodies the essence of a remarkable year, staying true to Krug’s signature style. It provides wine enthusiasts with a luxury wine experience unlike any other.

The 2006 vintage exemplifies Krug’s expertise in blending, with a unique composition of 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 20% Meunier. This blend creates a champagne that harmoniously balances power and elegance. It reflects the distinctive climate conditions of 2006.

As collectors and connoisseurs seek out this exceptional vintage, its value among other prestigious champagnes is noteworthy. While Krug 2006 is a testament to luxury, with special editions like Clos du Mesnil 2006 priced at $1,630 per bottle, it competes with other notable champagnes. Dom Pérignon’s Plénitude 2 vintages, for instance, range from $475 to $815. This pricing highlights the exceptional quality and limited availability that define high-end champagne.

In essence, Krug 2006 represents the pinnacle of champagne craftsmanship. It offers a luxurious and memorable tasting journey. This solidifies its status as one of the world’s finest wines and a true reflection of Krug’s unwavering commitment to excellence.