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Krug 2003

Vivacious Radiance

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 decided to create a vintage for this particular year and nicknamed it Vivacious Radiance to relay the unexpected story of a hot and surprising year with beautiful fruit expression, freshness, balance, vivacity and finesse.

This magnum spent at least 13 years in Krug's cellars, receiving its cork in spring 2016.

As it is a magnum, we let it rest for even longer, waiting until the Champagne is ready to be enjoyed.

Champagne notes

COMPOSITION

46%
Pinot Noir
29%
Chardonnay
25%
Meunier

Blend

100% wines of the year 2003

Cork received

spring 2016
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The year 2003 was a truly unique and eventful one for Champagne, with particularly challenging circumstances.
A dry winter and spring with an early bud break was followed by two serious frosts, which resulted in significant loss, especially of Chardonnay grapes. August was a record-breaker with average temperatures of 28.5°C – ten degrees above the seasonal average. The first harvest took place on August 23, the earliest since 1822, but the extreme variations in ripeness throughout the plots meant harvest dates could not be set for each village, as is usually the case in the Champagne region. Thus, the harvest continued in waves until early October. A year of such extremes was unheard of in living memory.
At the end of harvest, there were small yields, healthy grapes, an expected over-ripeness but also an unexpected under-ripeness as some of the vines had stopped maturation as a protection mechanism from the intense heat. This was only observable thanks to Krug’s respect of the individual expression of every plot, which also enabled the winemaking team to find surprisingly fresh, aromatic and balanced wines with vivacious fruit.
Krug 2003 tells the story of the year and reflects the challenges faced. It includes a higher quantity of wines from black grapes than usual and thus also a smaller amount of Chardonnay (29%), which was used sparingly to bring aromatic richness. Expression and vivacity come from the wines of the plots of Meunier (25%) from villages such as Sainte Gemme, Villevenard and Courmas. The Pinot Noirs (46%) with their lovely structure and body – from the south and north-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims – add balance and freshness.
After over a decade gaining finesse in the cellars, Krug 2003 can be enjoyed now or for many more years to come. As with all Krug Champagnes, Krug 2003 will continue to gain with time.

A talk with Julie Cavil

Krug Cellar Master

Tasting notes

At first sight, a subtle yellow gold colour highlighting a reserved finesse.
On the nose: there are notes of citrus, plum, liquid honey and brioche.
On the palate: fresh summer fruits, surprising red grapefruit along with candied peel, roast chestnut and caramelized apple tart.

Tasting notes

At first sight, a subtle yellow gold colour highlighting a reserved finesse.
On the nose: there are notes of citrus, plum, liquid honey and brioche.
On the palate: fresh summer fruits, surprising red grapefruit along with candied peel, roast chestnut and caramelized apple tart.

ratings

"This offers fine detail and tectire on the palaten carrying an expressive range of poached quince and black currant fruit, coffe liqueur, garam masala, spun honey and raw almond. Fresh and focused, this is a boon from the hot 2003 vintage, showing a sense of finesse on the subtle finish."

Wine Spectator 2015
Ratings : 94/100

"Absolute perfection: impressive finesse of texture associated with a richness and a complexity of dazzling fruits, an endless persistence. Within Krug legend!"

Bettane & Desseauve 2015
Ratings : 20/20

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

Ozark Henry

Artist & Composer

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I still remember my first glass of Krug, being overwhelmed by a complexity I did not expect from a Champagne. It was one big crescendo, a feast of highlights, the big finale of a huge fireworks display.

I still remember my first glass of Krug, being overwhelmed by a complexity I did not expect from a Champagne. It was one big crescendo, a feast of highlights, the big finale of a huge fireworks display.

1:27
-3:43

Krug grande cuvée

Grand soleil
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    Krug Grande Cuvée — Grand Soleil
    5:15

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KRUG PODCASTS

Discover the House of Krug from the inside. Relive stories from Krug’s heritage, told by members of the House. Join Krug’s winemakers as they reveal tasting room insights. Listen to Krug Lovers talking about their unforgettable experiences with Krug Champagnes.

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The Most Generous Expression of Champagne

Olivier Krug
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How to enjoy Champagne

Maggie Henriquez
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Welcome to the Krug Family House

Mylène Soulas
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The story of Krug 2006

Text by Olivier Krug and Music pairing by Kris Bowers
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Sharing inspiration from Krug x Pepper

Juan Amador - 3* Krug Ambassade Chef - Austria
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Food Pairing

Krug 2003 pairs beautifully sweet and savoury dishes with citrus.

Krug 2003 can be enjoyed with dishes infused with quince and citrus fruits, such as veal, lamb and quince tagine, fine fish or shellfish with citrus-based sauces, as well as oysters au gratin. Recipes with spices, cinnamon and curry are also good options. For dessert, a nicely prepared bread pudding with redcurrant coulis or citrus gratin nicely accompany Krug 2003.

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Food Pairing

Krug 2003 pairs beautifully sweet and savoury dishes with citrus.

Krug 2003 can be enjoyed with dishes infused with quince and citrus fruits, such as veal, lamb and quince tagine, fine fish or shellfish with citrus-based sauces, as well as oysters au gratin. Recipes with spices, cinnamon and curry are also good options. For dessert, a nicely prepared bread pudding with redcurrant coulis or citrus gratin nicely accompany Krug 2003.

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STORING & SERVING

The Right Temperature

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

The Right Glass

The House of Krug has partnered with renowned crystal maker Riedel to design a glass that would most generously reveal the fullness of flavour and aromas of Krug Champagnes.

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Wine Diamonds

The House of Krug’s unique craftsmanship is based on our understanding every plot through its individual wine. After several tastings by the tasting committee, a thorough assessment of each plot’s wine is achieved.

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The Influence of Time

Krug offers only prestige Champagnes, the most important characteristic of which is that they will gain beautifully with the passage of time.

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Krug Grande Cuvée — Grand Soleil
00:13