A Taste Of Charles Krug
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting with Marc and Janice Mondavi at the handsome Charles Krug winery, the first in Napa Valley. Under the guidance of the Monday family since 1943 when it was purchased by Caesar Mondavi , who built a profitable grape and fruit shipping business, the Mondavi’s remain dedicated to producing the finest Bordeaux style wines in Napa Valley. Founded in 1861 by Charles Krug, his innovative ideas and leadership paved the way for what is now known as Napa Valley, a region that boasts over 400 wineries, a major expansion from the 65 that were counted in 1976.
Along with the divine wines and congenial conversation I learned a great deal and want to share some of the cool concepts taking place at Charles Krug. 400 acres of the valley floor vineyards are Napa Green Certified. The Napa Green program seeks to restore, protect, and enhance Napa County watersheds through customized farming plans. Along with the pledge to participate in this positive change Krug is also committed to sustainable practices throughout the winery by implementing solar power, a more efficient refrigeration control system, cover crop rotation, the use of natural alternatives to conventional fertilizers and pesticides when possible and an electric car charging station not only for the popular Tesla, but for all other electric vehicles.
I was most impressed with the recycling of the redwood planks from 172 historic fermentation tanks, originally purchased in the 1940’s and in use into the 1990’s. Used in the renovation of the Redwood Cellar Tasting Room and 1881 Carriage House, original to the property, these planks line walls and ceilings and lend a warm blueprint to both. One tank remains on view in the barrel room exhibiting how the fermentation process has changed since the beginning. The carriage house is a gorgeous venue, one of a few allowed to host weddings and receptions, in Napa Valley.
Deservedly Charles Krug was awarded the “Best of Wine Tourism Award for Architecture & Landscape” in 2015 and listed in the “Top 10 California Tasting Experiences” by Food&Wine Magazine. Speaking of tastings, Charles Krug himself opened the first tasting room in California in 1882. Now let me tell you a bit about the wines! Modern winemaking techniques meld with traditional French methods and the outcome? Ultra premium wines! A few tastes and there is no doubt that this is true. The fact is after my private tasting with the Mondavi’s I went back for a second taste a couple of weeks later in the striking tasting room.
I will be the first to tell you that white wines are my favorites, especially during the warm summer months. The Sauvignon Blanc, bright and crisp with notes of grapefruit, lime and passionfruit is one to enjoy at the end of a hot August day! Carneros, is an appellation that always pulls me in, the wine that is. The Krug Chardonnay is from this region – I knew I would love it! The citrus aromas of lemon and tangerine had me from the get go. A mild touch of vanilla and flavors of white peach and juicy tropical fruit finish. Medium bodied with light nuances of the oak barrels I would drink this wine with lobster and poached salmon.
The red wines – well these red wines could persuade me to sip a bit more from these jewel colored Pinots, Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Malbecs. The 2013 Limited Release Galante Pinot Noir spends 8 months in new French oak barrels. It is “big” with a silky mouth feel. I picked up layers of clay and caramelized sugar. Delightful! Malbec, creamy, chocolatey, jammy and I tasted sweet bread – could that be yeast? I starred this one! The 2012 Family Reserve Generations, a designing blend is composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Good legs on this one!
This is what I purchased – a 2012 Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled in Napa Valley. This wine lit my mouth up! I have great anticipation of opening this bottle , probably before the year ends. Full bodied, blackberry, and coffee bouquets are enhanced by baked berries, caramel and vanilla, yielding an elegant and delicious wine.
I highly recommend a visit to the Charles Krug winery on your next visit to Napa. Besides the amazing wines, a sense of genuine hospitality from each person encountered is felt throughout a visit. Bonus – the setting is beautiful, the history engaging and you won’t want to miss Pizza on the Lawn on Saturday’s and Sunday’s!
View from the 1881 Carriage House
Peppercorns growing in the gardens – tended by the Culinary Institute in Napa.
You know I loved learning that there are two active bee hives on the Krug property. This bee is foraging in the fennel.
