Description
History
Joseph Krug, a German immigrant from the Rhineland, became a partner in Jacquesson, one of the most important maisons of the time, before founding the maison that would bear his name in 1834. Krug wanted to try to realize his vision, which was to conceive the Champagne as a unique and highly prestigious wine also and above all in the union of several vintages, thus enhancing the concept of cuvée, regardless of the individual vintages. After years of experimentation, he launched his first champagnes in 1943, and continued to produce them personally until 1966, the year of his death. Initially only two products were marketed, Numero 1, an assembly cuvée, which can be considered as the ancestor of the Grande Cuvée, and Numero 2, a vintage, produced only in the great vintages. Indeed many years later this vision of him can be said to have come true; one can only love or hate the Krug style, certainly among the most unmistakable in the region. To do this, the maison only procures the best grapes, whether they come from its own vineyards or from suppliers, and uses wooden “fûts” of 205 hg, slightly smaller than a classic barrique, which, being filled for about ⅘ of their capacity, they allow the peculiar evolution of the wine. After this procedure, we proceed to the tasting of the wines, with particular attention paid to the possibility of creating great vintage champagnes, but above all to the Grande Cuvée. Many vin de reserve are already used for this product, since the cellar always maintains a stock of at least 6 vintages. In fact, it can be affirmed that Krug would continue to produce champagne for at least 6 years even if suddenly no more grapes were harvested; usually between 35% and 50% of reserve wine is used. The famous home of the Krug family, purchased by Paul Krug I at Rue de Coquebert 5, is still the company headquarters today and is famous for the labyrinthine cellars dug into the basement, which allow Krug wines to rest optimally.
Grapes used
Pinot noir 100%
Production method
Champagne Clos d’Ambonnay 2002 Krug is a high-end product made with an exclusive production method. Its production begins with the purchase of an entire Pinot Noir vineyard, grown on calcareous soil in Verzenay, in the French Champagne region. After the manual harvesting of the grapes, a gentle pressing and fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. Subsequently, the wine is left to age for at least 12 years in the cellars.
Alcohol content
12.5%
Tasting notes
Champagne Clos d’Ambonnay 2002 Krug is a unique tasting experience, characterized by a complexity of aromas and flavors that make it one of the best champagnes in the world. At first taste, there are notes of ripe fruit, such as peach, apricot and blueberry, followed by hints of citrus, such as pink grapefruit and bitter orange.
In the following sip, notes of roasting and dried fruit emerge, such as almonds and hazelnuts, which blend with the spicy nuances of cinnamon, white pepper and ginger. The thin and persistent bubble, together with the solid structure and good acidity, create a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.
The finish is long and persistent, with a silky sensation in the mouth that leaves an aftertaste of dried fruit and spices.
Possible combinations
Overall, the Clos d’Ambonnay 2002 Krug is an intense and complex champagne, with a great depth of aromas and flavors that make it suitable to accompany the finest dishes, such as caviar, oysters or foie gras.
