The Story
Blend: 50% Chardonnay from the Grand Cru vineyards of Le Mesnil sur Oger and Oger, 25% Pinot Noir from the right bank of the Marne valley (between Epernay and Dormans) and 25% Pinot Meunier from the right bank of the Marne valley (between Epernay and Dormans)
Dosage: 0 g/L
Vinifcation: Coeur de Cuvée only (the very beginning of the first press). Racking at cold temperatures (10°C). No chaptalization. Alcoholic fermentation in large oak casks (72hl) with native yeasts. No malolactic fermentation. Aged on fine lees in oak casks for 15 months. Bottled with very little filtration. Aged in the bottle, in the cellar for 5 years before release.
Vintage 2012
The next most exceptional vintage since 2008. A truly difficult growing season saw severe frosts in the winter. March brought warmth but early budbreak made the vines vulnerable to spring frosts. Overall, the early growing season was wet, and mildew became a serious issue. However, conditions improved dramatically in the later summer months. An August heatwave resulted in a rapid accumulation of sugar, but fortunately the nights remained cool, which helped to preserve acidity. Although yields were low (averaging at 9,210 kg/ha) due to frost, hail and disease early in the season, the 2012 harvest was exemplary in its maturity, acidity and grape health. A rare high acid, high sugar September harvest with impeccable concentration of flavour and refreshing vibrancy. Pinot Noir is the superstar of the vintage, though Pinot Meunier excelled too. A vintage that promises great longevity for the finest cuvées, it was widely declared by producers. However, Krug decided to invest in its reserve wines on this great year, and no Vintage was produced. The quality of 2012 is universally high, with the greatest releases so far including Louis Roederer Cristal and Cristal Rosé, Bollinger La Grande Année and La Grande Année Rosé, as well as Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé.
