Krug 1998

At the House of Krug, every Krug Vintage celebrates the distinct character of a particular year. A Krug Vintage is a blend of the most expressive wines from a single year enhanced by a stay of over ten years in the cellars. Every Krug Vintage is different: it is the Music of the year, captured by Krug.

Krug 1998 offers astonishing purity, precision, elegance and a very long finish. For Krug, a focus on Chardonnay for in this vintage was an obvious choice due to the outstanding personality of Chardonnay grapes of the year. This vintage is known as our Hommage au Chardonnay as it is only the second Krug vintage, after 1981, where Chardonnay dominates.

Purchase

Champagne notes

A talk with Julie Cavil

Krug Cellar Master

The weather in 1998 was somehow classic, very contrasted as is often the case in Champagne. After a particularly hot August which broke the record set in 1962, the winemaking team watched nervously as temperatures crept up to 39°C and began to burn the leaves, damaging 5 to 10% of the potential harvest.

At the end of the month, heavy rains caused more consternation. Luckily, by early September dry, mild weather offered relief and the third week of the month bestowed perfect conditions for harvesting. Despite the sharp climatic contrasts, 1998 will be remembered as a year of quantity as well as high quality grapes.

The Chardonnays of the year, especially those from the Côte des Blancs and Trépail played a key role in calming the opulence of the other wines affected by the summer heat and re-injected the necessary dynamism to guarantee good cellaring potential.

To tell the story of 1998, the Chardonnays were shining stars (46%). Almost all the Pinot Noirs (35%) were selected from the southern Mountain of Reims, which explains the solid foundation of Krug 1998, and finally the Meuniers (19%), mainly selected from the left side of the Marne Valley, Leuvrigny, which was less sunny than the right bank, gave unique freshness.

This was my first vintage at the House of Krug and only the second Krug Vintage – after Krug 1981 – to be driven by Chardonnay. At the time, Henri Krug had agreed that in a year where the winners were the Chardonnays, the story should be a tribute to that winner. For the tasting committee, Krug 1998 shares the round and warm characteristics of 1989 as well as the extreme elegance and freshness of Krug 1988. Krug 1998 is a story of astonishing purity, precision, elegance and a very long finish.

Tasting notes

Deep light golden colour announcing the unique contrast between freshness and maturity.
On the nose, expressive aromas of bread, hazelnut, dried fruit, caramelised orange peel, then cocoa as it warms up, and finally pepper and gingerbread.
On the palate, flavours of crystallised citrus fruits, caramelised orange peel, dried fruits, pepper and gingerbread, with a soft, creamy texture.

Tasting notes

Ratings

"This harmonious Champagne offers luxurious texture and powerful, focused acidity, showing aromatic accents of spring blossom, crushed thyme and chai, with rich notes of lemon meringue, hazelnut, black currant and fresh porcini mushroom. The full package. Impressive."

Wine Spectator 2012

RATING: 98/100

KRUG X MUSIC

The House of Krug has long sensed that a link existed between sound and taste perception. Many appreciators of fine wine and Music, or anyone who has used the Krug App, understands the joy of savouring this extraordinary Champagne while listening to a piece of Music and how such an experience allows one to travel down direct pathways to the sensations.

The House collaborates with renowned artists, as well as with rising newcomers who compose original tracks following their tastings with the Cellar Master. Their Music Pairings or “Krug Echoes” are accessible to anyone on Krug.com or via the Krug app, making it possible to share their unforgettable experience with Krug Champagne at home.

DISCOVER KRUG ECHOES

Food Pairing

Krug 1998 can be enjoyed with delicate fish such as sea bass or turbot accompanied by lemon sauces or citrus fruit, as well as spicy or exotic dishes – including Japanese, Chinese, Indian or Thai – with crystallised ginger and other spices.

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Food Pairing

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STORING & SERVING

The Right Temperature

The House of Krug recommends that its Champagnes be served between 9°C and 12°C, as colder temperatures limit the expression of their flavours and aromas.

The Right Glass

In 2011 the House of Krug partnered with renowned crystal maker, Riedel, to design a glass that would most generously reveal the fullness of flavours and aromas of Krug Grande Cuvée.