Elite Traveler September-October 2017

INFLUENCE WINE

Olivier Krug on protecting his family’s legacy For six generations, the Krug family has delivered some of the world’s finest champagnes, following the philosophy of founder Joseph Krug. As they uncork another year of excellence, Olivier Krug delves into his family’s incredible history

Growing up, it was never a given that I would follow in the footsteps of the five generations that have come before me at the House of Krug . But today, it is my great honor to be director of the house founded by my great-great-great grandfather Joseph Krug. He was a visionary man who understood that the essence of champagne was pleasure itself. Driven by a dream to offer the very best champagne every year, regardless of annual variations in climate, his pioneering idea went beyond all known boundaries to offer the fullest expression of champagne. By doing so, he created the sole champagne house to create only prestige champagnes every year since its founding. In 1848, my ancestor consigned the founding principles of the house to posterity in his dark cherry colored notebook and each generation has helped to move the house forward through their passion and dedication, while always staying true to its uncompromising philosophy of champagne creation. When Joseph Krug passed away in 1866, his son Paul took over as head of the house. It was he who moved the house to its current location and built the premises and cellars we see today. In addition to expanding the business, he was father to 10 children, one of whom, Joseph II, succeeded him. I cannot talk about this poet and man of wit without talking about his wife, Jeanne, who kept the house going through the tribulations of the First World War, when her husband was taken prisoner. Jeanne is my personal hero; she offered the city’s inhabitants shelter from heavy bombardment in Krug’s cellars and carried out important volunteer work, while also succeeding in creating a 1915 vintage despite many vineyards being on the front line. Her son, Paul II, brought the house well and truly into the 20th century, putting advances in modern

technology at the service of Krug’s craftsmanship. He introduced the use of small steel vats to preserve the incredible freshness of the house’s reserve wines — a method we use to this day. He was succeeded by his sons Henri and Rémy, under whose forward-looking auspices the house acquired the Clos du Mesnil and Clos d’Ambonnay, now legendary thanks to their unique champagnes, each one the story of a single year and a single grape variety in a single plot of vines. In the 1970s, their desire to create a champagne that did not yet exist spurred the creation of Krug Rosé, an unexpected rosé champagne combining distinction and boldness. When I joined the house in September 1989, I was fortunate enough to learn from two previous generations — my father, my uncle and my grandfather. In the tradition of the house, I was soon sent out into the world to meet and understand our clients. I spent 15 incredible years in Japan, during which time the country would become one of the house’s top markets. I continue to travel a great deal in my current role, sharing the Krug spirit with Krug lovers. It is said that you never forget your first taste of Krug and the house shares a privileged relationship with these passionate and creative free spirits. I have the good fortune of visiting our network of Krug Ambassades all over the world. They are the setting for memorable sensory encounters, and for enjoying the unexpected yet exquisite pairing of Krug Grande Cuvée with some truly remarkable dishes. When I am not traveling, I am in my beloved hometown of Reims. It is a beautiful city that I encourage you to visit. I live next door to the Krug family house, the fully restored historic residence of the Krug family and the place where I grew up. Today it offers a timelessly elegant space for Krug to

Joseph Krug was a visionaryman who understood that the essence of champagne was pleasure itself

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