In the cellar

Krug Clos d'Ambonnay

The intensity of a single plot of Pinot Noir, from a single year.

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

Located in the heart of Ambonnay, one of the most distinguished villages for Pinot Noir in Champagne, this tiny walled plot of 0.68 hectares (1.68 acres) has been an essential cru for Krug for generations.

Krug Clos d’Ambonnay was born from the fifth generation of the Krug family, Rémi and Henri Krug’s quest to pay tribute to the Pinot Noir grapes of Ambonnay, a terroir dear to the Maison, while remaining loyal founder Joseph Krug’s plot-by-plot approach to winemaking. 

Their search lasted seven years, until they discovered the Clos d’Ambonnay in 1991, a tiny vineyard surrounded by protective walls since 1766. Purchased in 1994, they crafted the first Krug Clos d’Ambonnay champagne in 1995, revealed 12 years later in 2007.  

Krug Clos d’Ambonnay is a rare gem epitomising the attention to detail, uncompromising quality and appreciation for unique terroirs inherited from Joseph Krug.

Krug Clos d'Ambonnay 1996
Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996 exalts the elegant intensity of one of the finest terroirs in the region, the Clos d’Ambonnay – and of a single grape variety, Pinot Noir, from a single year, 1996.

Born from the gentle circumstances of 1996, Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996 exhibits exquisite grace, depth and beautiful structure.

It is the second champagne from this unique plot of Pinot Noir. The first was created with the harvest of 1995.
Part 1

A word from

The cellar master

Julie Cavil, Krug Cellar Master
The expression of a glorious year, Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996 caresses the senses with ample fragrances and full flavours, blossoming into a bouquet of freshness.

Julie Cavil, Krug cellar master


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Part 2

FOOD PAIRING

Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1996 can be enjoyed with pan-seared firm-fleshed white fish, sea bass with a langoustine or an elegant creamy almond sauce, boiled or grilled langoustines with a light sabayon cream, or simple gourmet items such bellota-fed pata negra ham, or a black truffle sandwich.

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TASTING NOTES

Light gold with slight hints of violet, recalling its Pinot Noir origins.

Sumptuous aromas of plum tart fresh from the oven, brioche, lightly toasted hazelnuts, orange blossom, candied apricots and citrus fruit. The palate is incredibly concentrated, full and deep, reminiscent of autumn fruits with amazing freshness and great fullness, enhanced by delicately fine bubbles and a very long finish.

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.
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.
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

"This incredibly refined Champagne opens with a superb, well-delineated bouquet and an impeccable, almost imperceptible mousse. At first very refined, the wine tightens up in the glass considerably as the acidity comes to life on the palate. Today the 1996 Clos d’Ambonnay comes across as incredibly young and searing, in fact at this stage, it reminds me most of the vins claires I tasted at the estate last year!"

Rating: 95+/100

Robert Parker - 2020

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RATINGS

"Krug’s 1996 Clos d’Ambonnay comes across as quite nuanced and understated, with precise, crystalline fruit and tons of detail."

Rating: 95/100

Antonio Galloni - 2020

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