Krug Collection 1988 is Krug Vintage 1988 given a second, much longer stay in the house cellars before release. Mature, spicy and still lively, it shows what decades of patience do to a great Krug vintage. Presented in a gift box.
About This Champagne
1988 was a year without excess, and Krug 1988 is widely regarded as a high point for the house. It opened what Krug calls its first trilogy of consecutive vintages, 1988, 1989 and 1990. The blend is 50% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay and 18% Meunier. Antonio Galloni, tasting the Collection release, found it bright and focused, softened by time but still precise.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: White fruits, truffle, honey and lightly browned apple, with sandalwood, mocha and a gentle nuttiness.
- Palate: Long and fresh, with orange blossom, dried fig, quince and cinnamon, then maple syrup, dark chocolate, coffee and roasted notes.
- Finish: Crisp and very long, with mineral and spice undertones.
Serving & Food
Pour at 11 to 12°C into a wide white-wine glass, not a flute. Rich, buttery dishes suit it: turbot with hollandaise, sea bass in butter, or chicken in cream sauce. Almond or dried-fruit desserts and anything with a hint of vanilla also work.
How to Enjoy
A landmark anniversary, especially one tied to 1988, or a tasting of mature Champagne among friends who enjoy aged wine.
Product Details
Producer: Krug
Cuvée: Krug Collection 1988
Vintage: 1988
Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, 18% Meunier
Region: Champagne, France
Volume: 750mL
Presentation: Gift box
About the Maison
When Krug releases a vintage, it holds back a small number of bottles in its Reims cellars under ideal conditions. Over the years these keep changing: some flavours fade, new ones appear, and the structure shifts. The cellar master and Tasting Committee taste them regularly, and only when they judge the wine has reached a new stage do the bottles receive their cork and leave as Krug Collection.
There is no fixed timetable, and vintages do not always return in order: of the 1988, 1989 and 1990 trilogy, Collection 1989 was released before Collection 1988.