Krug 1998 750mL

Krug 1998 is a Chardonnay-led vintage from the Reims house, nicknamed A Tribute to Chardonnay by its Tasting Committee. With more than two decades behind it, it shows the toasted, dried-fruit character of mature Krug while holding on to its freshness.

About This Champagne

Chardonnay makes up 46 per cent of the blend, with 35 per cent Pinot Noir and 19 per cent Meunier. A hot August had made the black grapes opulent, and early-picked Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs and Trépail brought back the vivacity the wine needed. Krug says 1998 was only the second of its Vintages to be built mainly on Chardonnay, the first being 1981. Like every Krug Vintage it spent over ten years in the cellars before release.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Toasted bread, hazelnut, candied orange peel and dried apricot, with cocoa and gingerbread as it opens.
• Palate: Creamy and mature, with crystallised citrus, dried fruit and a peppery spice over a soft, fine mousse.
• Finish: Nutty and lasting, with citrus peel and spice carrying through.

Serving & Food

Chill only lightly, to about 10 to 12°C, and pour into a large tulip glass. At this age it is ready to drink and should be enjoyed over the next several years. Pair it with roast pigeon, aged Parmesan, or crab with ginger and scallion.

How to Enjoy

Anyone who enjoys the savoury, toasty side of mature vintage Champagne.

Product Details

About the Maison

Maison Krug dates from 1843, when Joseph Krug, a German-born merchant who had learned the trade at the house of Jacquesson, set up on his own in Reims. His aim was a Champagne of the same high standard every single year, whatever the weather, made possible by a deep library of reserve wines to blend from.

He did not start alone. His partner in the new firm, Krug et Cie, was Hippolyte de Vivès, a négociant from the family that founded Veuve Clicquot. Joseph ran the house until his death in 1866, when control passed to his only son, Paul.