Krug: Clos d'Ambonnay vs Clos du Mesnil
Aug 31, 2025
The comparison of these two cult-est champagnes is a fantastic question that gets to the very heart of Krug's philosophy and the pinnacle of Champagne terroir. While both are ultra-prestigious, single-vineyard, single-vintage Champagnes from the House of Krug, they are fundamentally different expressions.
Krug Clos d'Ambonnay
The fifth generation of the Krug family, Rémi and Henri Krug, created Krug Clos d'Ambonnay in an effort to honour the Pinot Noir grapes of Ambonnay, a terroir that is significant to the Maison, while adhering to the plot-by-plot method of winemaking that was adopted by the brand's founder, Joseph Krug.
The Clos d'Ambonnay, a small vineyard encircled by protective walls since 1766, was found in 1991 after a seven-year search. The first Krug Clos d'Ambonnay champagne was created in 1995 after being purchased in 1994, and it was unveiled twelve years later in 2007.
A rare gem, Krug Clos d'Ambonnay embodies Joseph Krug's attention to detail, unwavering quality, and admiration for distinctive terroirs. The ultimate expression of Pinot Noir from a grand cru site. It is a champagne of profound power, depth, structure, and opulence. It is often described as "voluptuous," "broad," and "authoritative."
Krug Clos du Mesnil
Since 1698, walls have surrounded this 1.84-hectare (4.5-acre) vineyard that is not visible from the local church. It is situated in the centre of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of the Champagne region's most famous Chardonnay villages.
Krug's Clos du Mesnil plot was originally designed to guarantee a steady supply of Chardonnay wines to enhance the blend of Krug Grande Cuvée, but year after year, it has consistently and distinctively shown a lovely character.
Due to the exceptional quality of the 1979 harvest, the brothers Rémi and Henri Krug decided to produce a champagne made solely from Clos grapes. It was first served in 1986.
The ultimate expression of Chardonnay. It is a champagne of precision, minerality, razor-sharp acidity, and breathtaking elegance. It is often described as "crystalline" and "pure."
Summary
| Krug Clos du Mensil | Krug Clos d'Ambonnay | |
| Village & Vineyard | Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs | Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims |
| Grape Variety | 100% Chardonnay | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Vineyard Size | 1.84 hectares | 0.68 hectares |
| Production | ~10,000 bottles | ~3,000 bottles |
| Vintage | 1985, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008 | 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006 |
| Style | Precision, Purity, Electric Acidity | Power, Depth, Opulent Richness |
| Tasting Notes | Citrus zest, white flowers, chalky minerality, brioche, saline | Ripe red, black fruits, spices, roasted nuts, cocoa, coffee |
