Krug Vintage 2011

Winery Background and History

Champagne Krug, founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug in Reims, is part of LVMH and celebrated for elevating Champagne craftsmanship. Their Vintage Champagnes, including the 2011, are aged for over 10 years in Krug’s Reims cellars, capturing the unique character of each year with depth and nuance  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Led by Cellar Master Julie Cavil and tasting committee including Olivier Krug, the Vintage Brut 2011 showcases meticulous plot selection, craftsmanship, and blending. The aim is to reflect the year’s essence, described by the team as “Spirited Roundness”  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The blend—46% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay, and 17% Pinot Meunier—draws from Grand Cru vineyards across Montagne de Reims (Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay) and Côte des Blancs. The 2011 vintage saw a paradoxical season of warm early spring followed by cooler conditions, yielding bright yet ripe fruit  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

After primary fermentation, Krug Vintage Brut 2011 undergoes over a decade of aging on lees, remaining in the bottle in their cellars to develop complexity before disgorgement  .

Tasting Notes

Bright golden color with aromas of white fruits, starfruit, citrus zest, licorice, basil, hazelnut praline, and brioche. The palate offers pastry, candied lemon, mandarin peel, toasted notes, apple, pear, and vibrant minerality with a long, saline finish  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs superbly with shellfish (oysters, crab, lobster), citrus seafood, truffle dishes, creamy poultry, and refined desserts—benefiting from its crispness and aged complexity ().

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 10–12 °C in a fine Champagne flute or universal glass. Chill thoroughly and allow brief rest before serving to highlight its aromatic layers.

Storage and Aging Potential

Already showing maturity while retaining structure—best from now until about 2044. Stable storage at 9–12 °C upright will preserve its elegance ().

Grape Varietals & percentage used

46% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay, 17% Pinot Meunier  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5 % ABV  .

Scores

• 95 – Yohan Castaing (Wine Advocate) 

• 93 – Antonio Galloni (Vinous) 

• 93 – Tom Hewson (Decanter) 

• 98 – James Suckling