To the delight of collectors around the world, a very limited number of bottles of Krug Vintage are kept in ideal conditions in the House’s cellars. They are tasted and appraised as they wait to blossom into a second life. Krug Vintage then becomes Krug Collection and reveals a new personality. Krug Collection Champagnes are true examples of time sublimation; maturity exposes hidden facets and depth. New flavours surprise, while old ones have gained structure. Krug Collection is always a wonderful discovery, a deeper story of the Krug Vintage. Krug Collection 1982 is time’s second revelation of Krug 1982.

Krug 1982 is the result of blending opulent and powerful Pinot Noirs (54%), rich Chardonnays (30%) and spicy Meuniers (16%). Krug 1982 is on the full bodied side of Krug vintages, not as big as the 1959 or 1976; we see it more in the heritage of the renowned 1964 or even 1953.

Weather in 1982: Probably one of the most generous yield in the history of Champagne, the year 1982 is a classic in terms of climate throughout the year. Heat in June, July, August and September with sufficient rain at the right moments over vines which had rested well after the previous small crops, gave wines of excellent ripeness and fairly full character despite a record size crop.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru
Grape Varieties: 54% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 16% Meunier
Lees Ageing: 25 years
Disgorged: 2008
Alcohol: 12%
Drink: Now to 2032

Tasting Note: Krug 1982 has emerged already as Krug Collection 1982, it is opulent and generous while increasingly serene. To the eye, it is elegant, lasting bubbles and fantastic colour, seemingly untouched by time. On the nose, mocha scents with hazelnut and an opulent rich maturity and depth, revealing a peppery tang. In the mouth, rich honey and crystallized fruit and hints of tropical fruit, mango and mild spices which slowly gain strength.

Just five years after Joseph Krug founded his eponymous Champagne House in 1843, he documented his great vision for Krug in a cherry-red leather notebook. In it, he revealed the principles of creating a champagne of incredible richness yet great elegance, of selecting only the finest elements from the greatest terroirs, rejecting mediocre fruit and making both a non-vintage and a vintage cuvée - revolutionary at the time. Discovered in 2010 by current House Director and sixth generation of the founding family Olivier Krug, the ideals in this notebook and Krug's resolute commitment to them have secured their position as the most luxurious and exclusive of all Champagne producers.

Unlike other Champagne Houses, Krug's range consists of prestige cuvées only. Their iconic non-vintage Grande Cuvée is a masterful blend of some 120 wines, vintage Krugs are renowned as true classics, majestically displaying the characteristics of each harvest and their unique and exclusive single-vineyard champagnes, Clos du Mesnil and Clos d'Ambonnay are the ultimate rarities. The recent introduction of ID codes displayed on the back of every bottle - revealing base year, disgorgement periods and product information - has helped revise the vision of Krug in line with the great founder's philosophy.

Cellar Master: Julie Cavil
Winery Location: Reims | Champagne, France
Champagne Region: Montagne de Reims
Annual Production (bottles): 760,000