There are many valuable lessons I learned at Hautes Études du Goût, and the professors I met were extraordinary. Yet, one evening brought me face to face with the most prestigious “teacher” in the art of living beautifully: Krug champagne, considered the best champagne in the world. An exceptional educational dinner that remains in my memory as a transformative experience and a lesson in vision.
The Story of Krug: A Tale of Vision and Innovation
The story of Krug begins with Joseph Krug, a young man born in Mainz, who arrived in Paris with a dream: to make a name for himself in the world of champagne. Talented, ambitious, and creative, speaking three languages, Joseph was hired by the Jacquesson house, the leader in the field at the time, and even became a partner. However, his dream went further. At 42, despite being in a comfortable position, he took the risk of founding his own champagne house in 1843. His vision was bold: to produce exceptional champagne every year, regardless of climate variations or the quality of the harvest – thus, the Krug reserves were born. A visionary, non-conformist, and innovator, Joseph Krug was the first to create only prestige cuvées each year, revolutionizing the champagne world.
Krug Champagne: Excellence and Effervescence
Beyond Joseph Krug’s creations, his most precious legacy is the famous ruby notebook where he recorded his ideas, philosophy, and knowledge. This notebook, still preserved today at the house bearing his name, is an invaluable testament. In it, Joseph Krug wrote that a champagne house should produce only two types of champagne of the same quality: one that is the full expression of champagne each year, and another that reflects the specific circumstances of a particular year—a unique story. This is how Krug Grande Cuvée and Krug Vintage were born. As time passed, other creations followed, such as Krug Rosé, Clos du Mesnil, and Clos d'Ambonnay—all undisputed expressions of quality. However, the archetype of Krug’s philosophy remains Krug Grande Cuvée, a symbol of excellence that, once tasted, transforms you forever.
The Krug Experience
My Krug experience began—how else?—with a visit to the house's cellars and precious reserves. Here, alongside my colleagues from HEG, we were guided by Mr. Rémi Krug himself, a man who spoke of champagne as if it were poetic art. The visit culminated in an exceptional dinner, whose menu, seemingly simple yet sophisticated, was crafted by Arnaud Lallement, chef of the restaurant L'Assiette Champenoise (3 Michelin stars). And, of course, the entire experience was accompanied by Krug champagne, which made us “sing” inside with every dish served.
The ruby notebook, inspired by Joseph Krug’s original, became the witness to my experience, holding the sensations, reflections, and notes from that evening. Today, this notebook follows me everywhere, as a personal reminder that excellence must always be a benchmark in everything I do.
Mr. Rémi Krug, with his impeccable hospitality, offered us a valuable lesson in patience: "Time is our friend, not our enemy." But also in the courage to dare, to take risks, and to surprise. In the end, we learned to savor every moment instead of waiting for special occasions. We were there to learn about pairing, but we left with a much more important lesson: we learned about life.
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