In the cellar

Krug Clos du Mesnil 1985

The purity of a single plot of Chardonnay, from a single year.

Maison Krug’s unique craftsmanship has revealed a rare champagne from a remarkable terroir, the Clos du Mesnil.

This 1.84-hectare (4.5-acre) vineyard overlooked by the village church has been protected by walls since 1698. It is located in the heart of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of the most iconic villages for Chardonnay in the Champagne region.

Krug Clos du Mesnil perpetuates the nonconformist spirit of Joseph Krug, founder of Maison Krug. It illustrates the Maison’s commitment to crafting champagnes of undisputed quality by respecting the individuality of each plot of vines, transforming its fruit into a unique wine. This art requires careful berry tastings before harvest and meticulous fruit.

Initially intended to ensure a regular supply of Chardonnay wines to enrich the blend of Krug Grande Cuvée, Krug’s Clos du Mesnil plot has consistently and uniquely revealed a beautiful character year after year.

In 1979, the harvest was so outstanding, it led the brothers, Rémi and Henri Krug to make a champagne created exclusively from grapes of this Clos and this single year, presented for the first time in 1986.

Born at a time when the conventions in Champagne concentrated on blending multiple wines from varied plots, Krug Clos du Mesnil offers a Champagne of exceptional beauty and poise, telling a story of this plot’s grapes, only on very special years.

Krug Clos du Mesnil 1985 exalts the extreme purity of one of the finest terroirs in Champagne – a single walled plot of vines, the Clos du Mesnil – and of a single grape variety, chardonnay - from a single year, 1985.

A chiseled and elegant expression of its terroir, Krug Clos du Mesnil 1985 is the 6th champagne from this unique plot, the first was created from the 1979 harvest.

Revealed once again in 2025 to celebrate its 40th anniversary, this cuvée, as all Krug champagnes, has gained in complexity and patina with the slow passage of time.

Part 1

A word from

The cellar master

Forty years after its creation, Krug Clos du Mesnil 1985 continues to reveal the outstanding freshness and vitality characteristic of this tiny walled plot.

Julie Cavil, Krug cellar master

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Part 2

Tasting Notes

At first sight, a bright golden hue with orange reflections.

On the nose, roasted aromas with notes of caramelised peanuts, barley sugar, light bitters, and hints of white truffle.

On the palate, it is dynamic and elegant, with pastry notes of mirabelle tart and lemon meringue pie. Flavours of fresh mirabelle and citrus follow, with a touch of bitterness, beautiful freshness, and balance, leading to a long, intense finish.

Krug Food Pairing by Chef Jakob de Neergaard

FOOD PAIRINGS

The chardonnay from Krug’s Clos du Mesnil exhibits remarkable purity and chiselled citrus that will enhance shellfish.

Krug Clos du Mesnil 1985 may be enjoyed with gastronomic recipes such as cod in beurre blanc sauce with chives, or ricotta-stuffed pasta with zucchini flowers. Simple pleasures such as roasted eggplant with tahini, or freshly shucked rock oysters will also elevate the tasting experience.

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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The Krug Experience