In the cellar

Krug Collection 1981

Time’s second revelation of Krug Vintage.

To the delight of Krug Lovers around the world, a very limited number of bottles of Krug Vintage are kept in ideal conditions in the House’s cellars. Over time, they continue to develop in maturity, revealing flavours and aromas of astonishing freshness, elegance and finesse.

The Cellar Master and the Tasting Committee take note of these additional facets and depth that have emerged. New flavours surprise whilst old ones have evolved in structure. At that moment, they decide these bottles are ready to receive their cork, to be presented to the world as Krug Collection: the deeper story of a Krug Vintage.

Krug 1981 was created with wines of incisive freshness with hints of citrus in its youth. From the first tastings of the still wines, the ‘grand blancs” were showing their outstanding character.

A year of Chardonnay captured by Krug, 1981 gave birth to a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir and 19% Meunier.

Part 1

A word from

The cellar master

This was the first time in the history of the House that a Krug Vintage was created with such a predominance of Chardonnay, a feat since only repeated once, over a decade later in 1998.

Julie Cavil, Krug cellar master

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Part 2

FOOD PAIRING

Krug Collection 1981 is ideal alongside fresh white fish, shrimps or lobster with light lemongrass, mango or slightly spicy sauces. It is also a delicious match for carrot cake, aged comté, autumn fruit desserts or orange and ginger soufflé.

TASTING NOTES

Krug Collection 1981 is the second life of Krug 1981 with distinct and different flavours and aromas.

On the nose, rare aromas of white truffle and sweet spices, ripe apples and candied citrus, followed by mellow flavours of apricot and honey.

On the palate, it is unctuous and generous, with remarkable volume and opulence and an extremely long finish that leaves a lasting impression of elegance and distinction.

Reminiscent of Krug 1981, the original freshness and vivacity of this Champagne remain.

Note:

Serving 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.

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Note:

The Joseph Glass

In 2011, we partnered with renowned crystalware maker, Riedel, to design a glass that would reveal the fullness of flavours and aromas of Krug champagnes.

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Note:

The Influence of Time

All Krug champagnes gain in complexity and patina with the passage of time. We recommend storing them at the same temperature as you intend to serve them, between 9°C and 12°C.

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RATINGS

"The 1981 Collection has begun to slowly enter a plateau of maturity marked by slightly oxidative, tertiary notes that give the wine its burnished, resonant personality. Open-knit and creamy on the palate, the 1981 is an ideal wine for current drinking, as it is not likely to improve much from here. Stone fruit, vanilla, hazelnut, truffle, orange peel brioche and dried flowers are some of the many notes that grace the exquisite finish. This is a tremendous showing."

Rating: 97/100

Antonio Galloni - 2020

The Krug Experience