Krug Vintage Champagne 1998
At Krug, each vintage celebrates the distinct character of a specific year. A Krug Vintage blends the most expressive wines from that year. After over ten years in the cellars, the wines reach their full potential. Each vintage is unique, capturing the essence of the year’s “music.”
Krug 1998 showcases astonishing purity, precision, elegance, and a long finish. Krug focused on Chardonnay in this vintage due to the grape’s outstanding quality that year. It is only the second vintage, after 1981, where Chardonnay dominates, making it a “Hommage au Chardonnay.”
The Season
The weather in 1998 presented classic Champagne contrasts. August brought intense heat, breaking the 1962 record, with temperatures reaching 39°C. The winemaking team anxiously monitored the vineyards as the heat scorched 5 to 10% of the potential harvest.
Heavy rains at the end of August added to their worries, but by early September, dry and mild conditions arrived, providing much-needed relief. The third week of September offered ideal weather for harvesting. Despite the extreme climate variations, 1998 produced both an abundant yield and high-quality grapes.
The Blend
The Chardonnays from the Côte des Blancs and Trépail played a pivotal role in tempering the opulence of the other wines impacted by the summer heat. These Chardonnays re-energized the blend, ensuring excellent cellaring potential.
The story of 1998 revolves around these exceptional Chardonnays (46%), which took center stage. Most of the Pinot Noirs (35%) came from the southern Montagne de Reims, forming the solid foundation of Krug 1998, while the Meuniers (19%), primarily sourced from Leuvrigny on the left bank of the Marne Valley, contributed a unique freshness due to less sun exposure.
1998 was my first vintage at the House of Krug and only the second Krug Vintage—after Krug 1981—to be led by Chardonnay. Henri Krug agreed that, in a year where Chardonnays excelled, the blend should honor their success. For the tasting committee, Krug 1998 carries the warmth and roundness of 1989, paired with the elegance and freshness of Krug 1988. Krug 1998 is a tale of remarkable purity, precision, elegance, and a long-lasting finish.
Food Pairing
Krug 1998 can be enjoyed with delicate fish such as sea bass or turbot accompanied by lemon sauces or citrus fruit. As well as spicy or exotic dishes – including Japanese, Chinese, Indian or Thai – with crystallised ginger and other spices.
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