Krug, King of Champagnes

[kpc]

I'm shocked that Etihad F serves a red wine that retails for less than $10....fortunately I only had 1/2 a glass recently

 

[penegal]

I'm shocked that Etihad F serves a red wine that retails for less than $10....fortunately I only had 1/2 a glass recently

RRP concerns me less than quality. However at $10 you generally won't be blown away.


For all their faults, QF do generally have good non-Champane wines on board. Certain other airlines seem to be over-focused on the Champagne and then fill the rest of their wine list with cheap rubbish.

 

[anat0l]

For all their faults, QF do generally have good non-Champane wines on board. Certain other airlines seem to be over-focused on the Champagne and then fill the rest of their wine list with cheap rubbish.

Some, including a lot of non-Australians, might argue that QF has a fault in stocking only Australian wines. I know I am biased, but we generally do have a great calibre of wines in this country to rival nearly most international varietals; searching abroad to fill a wine list seems rather unnecessary. With the exception of Champagne (and then we actually have some good sparkling whites, if one can be bothered to find them).

 

[Daver6]

RRP concerns me less than quality. However at $10 you generally won't be blown away.


For all their faults, QF do generally have good non-Champane wines on board. Certain other airlines seem to be over-focused on the Champagne and then fill the rest of their wine list with cheap rubbish.

I suspect they work on the assumption that most pax don't really know their wine. So if a ME carrier as some Bordeaux in the cheaper price range, most people will just be impressed and assume its good (which it might actually be).

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I have just started planning my trip to France in July/August 2016 where I will take in the Champagne Region as part of the trip (Booked my SQ J flights though when bookings opened).

Current intention is to visit one or two major houses (looks like one has to book in advance via email), and to also cycle around as well for several days to actually take in the region and vineyards and to visit and stay at some smaller houses.

However with Krug I note that they do not have "public" access and to arrange a visit one has to "know someone" or be in the industry. Does anyone know how a visit to Krug may be arranged?

 

[penegal]

However with Krug I note that they do not have "public" access and to arrange a visit one has to "know someone" or be in the industry. Does anyone know how a visit to Krug may be arranged?

With difficulty... ? But let me know if you find out how.

FWIW, I don't think there is much to "see" or "do" apart from admire rows and rows of bottles, and talk shop with winemakers (in French). A bit like some of the great Burgundy and Bordeaux wineries - they are a working farm / winery, not a tourist attraction. There is no fancy cellar door.


Taittinger definitely comes recommended. Both in its own right as well as some "history of Champagne".

 

[penegal]

I suspect they work on the assumption that most pax don't really know their wine. So if a ME carrier as some Bordeaux in the cheaper price range, most people will just be impressed and assume its good (which it might actually be).

That is certainly the case in China... "France" is the greatest wine brand in China.

But as the market matures some Australian labels are starting to penetrate that market, especially among the growing number of sophisticated consumers.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

FWIW, I don't think there is much to "see" or "do" apart from admire rows and rows of bottles, .

Agree which is why I plan to cycle as I enjoy cycling as an activity and to visit some of the smaller places...and to only do one or two of the major houses as a "cellar" visit as yes there would be a "sameness' to them. From what I have read it is a good place to cycle.

As a traveller I tend to enjoy holidays a lot more when they have a big "doing" aspect and not just "seeing". ie my last two trips have included trekking to Annapurna Base Camp and 4WD-ing (self-drive) from Nairobi to Victoria Falls.

Most of my time will be spent out in the countryside on quiet roads and paths. But yes breaking up the cycling with long lunches, picnics and some champagne/wine tastings. The major house or two will probably be done of my arrival day and then to rent a bike for 2-4 days and explore.

Epernay would look to be a good base for "hub and spoke" rides. Or I might do a circuit staying in different villages or stay small vineyard that offers accommodation.

PS I am also looking to cycle the Alsace Wine Route. Strasbourg to Basel. Will possibly combine this with visiting the WW1 battlefieds before heading down to Italy as I fly out of Rome.

 

[penegal]

Sounds like a fabulous trip lovetravellingoz

I also enjoy getting out and trying to stay active (otherwise my waistline will continue to expand rapidly). You certainly see a lot more on two feet or two wheels than you do speeding through the countryside inside a metal box.

One of my favourite holidays was in 2008 when we rented a gite in Normandy in the Summer. The local wine in Normandy is average, but nevertheless it was simply sublime walking and riding down country lanes, buying and cooking fresh produce, eating in local restaurants, and most importantly avoiding distractions such as work email and phone calls.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Just a quick update on EK F. The menu on EK434 yesterday had Dom 2006, but the bottle said 2005. It tasted pretty choice to me, would the 2006 have been better?

Then the bar down in J got jollier and jollier, until they made up a story aboit turbulence and sent everyone back to their seats. Big shout out to bloke from Darwin and the MP for Fillemupagain and adviser. You know who you are!

Cheers skip

 

[AnonymousCoward]

MP for where?

 

[amaroo]

We enjoyed a bottle or three CX F CDG-HKG a couple of weeks ago :mrgreen:

 

[Duffa]

I've taken taste to champagne, preferring to drink on boarding and through meals, instead of switching to wines. Article in link is over a year old. Maybe airlines have made changes to their offerings.

Which Airlines Serve The Best Champagne? - One Mile at a Time

Andy's prices are bollox. The "Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, La Croix de Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien"
is $90-100 a bottle not $30.
And while on this subject, Cruiser has complained many times that the SQ F French red is $300 a pop whilst the Aussie offering is a pizza wine at ~~$30

 

[AnonymousCoward]

Andy's prices are bollox. The "Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, La Croix de Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien"
is $90-100 a bottle not $30.

Couldn't find any mention of the 'La Croix de Beaucaillou' in the article cited. You talking about something else?
Also, according to Wine Searcher 'La Croix de Beaucaillou' appears to be available far closer to US$30 than US$100: Price History: Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 'La Croix de Beaucaillou', Saint-Julien, France (obviously dependant on vintage, but you didn't mention one)

 

[thechung]

Just a heads up for anyone looking for Krug NV for $172 delivered....

Cracka wines have it until 12am tonight at $197. But you can get a $25 dollar voucher if you use a referral link.

The price goes up after midnight tonight so get in quick.

 

[diningdecadence]

Current intention is to visit one or two major houses (looks like one has to book in advance via email), and to also cycle around as well for several days to actually take in the region and vineyards and to visit and stay at some smaller houses.

can't help on the Krug front but seriously enjoyed the vintage veuve cliquot tasting in the caves. somehow we were the only 2 on the tour. '04 & '04 rose, 1990 and a 1989 rose, with plenty of cheese.

they were quite serious on the RSA though - we only managed 1 extra glass of our 'favourite'.

there is a relais & chateau hotel within walking distance but we hadn't made a booking for lunch and were turned away.

also visited Ruinart as the BdB had been a favourite - didn't rate it as highly.

 

[PineappleSkip]

MP for where?

Member for Fillemupagen. You can find him here
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:193556/PR8220_U34D34_1968.pdf

Cheers skip

 

[penegal]

they were quite serious on the RSA though - we only managed 1 extra glass of our 'favourite'.

Are you sure that was RSA? Or stock preservation?

I know if they let me loose there may be nothing left in the caves!!!

 

[lovetravellingoz]

can't help on the Krug front but seriously enjoyed the vintage veuve cliquot tasting in the caves. somehow we were the only 2 on the tour. '04 & '04 rose, 1990 and a 1989 rose, with plenty of cheese.

they were quite serious on the RSA though - we only managed 1 extra glass of our 'favourite'.

there is a relais & chateau hotel within walking distance but we hadn't made a booking for lunch and were turned away.

also visited Ruinart as the BdB had been a favourite - didn't rate it as highly.

Thanks for that. We are currently tossing up between staying in Reims or Epernay.

Epernay looks to be the favourite at present as it is smaller (we like a more village type feel), easier and more convenient to visit smaller domaines can walk to many things plus it will be a better base for some spoke and hub cycling rides to take in the surrounding countryside and a domaine or two!

So we will probably visit Moet & Chandon for a larger house and to see its massive cellars and then mix this will some small houses.

Reims main advantage is its well known cathederal, but after several visits to Europe already and many cathederals, this is not that important to us.

 

[diningdecadence]

Are you sure that was RSA? Or stock preservation?

I know if they let me loose there may be nothing left in the caves!!!

well that was the weird thing - they still opened all 4 bottles - it was the 2 of us, and the 2 staff showing us around. so presumably it went to staff drinks later on...