KRUG FOCUS
We all know about food pairing, but what about music pairing? Olivier Krug, the sixth generation of the family, explains the connection between Krug and music
When Olivier Krug’s father, Henri, sat him down almost 30 years ago to tell him about the family’s champagne house, he used a beautiful, lyrical analogy. He likened each individual plot of vines to fine musician, contributing its individual character to a Krug Champagne.
Krug’s relationship with music runs deep, but it is only more recently that the House has looked into it on another level, considering how music can have the power to enhance the sensorial experience that comes with every sip of Krug. It is in this spirit that the House has developed a unique endeavour: Krug Echoes.
Music is the natural analogy for the House to speak of its Champagnes and craftsmanship. Based on various experiments with music, as well as recent scientific evidence, the House has been able to develop music pairings, immersive experiences, unconventional tastings and other events. With Krug Echoes, the House goes beyond the traditional boundaries and connects with Krug lovers in a universal language that is easy to understand.
In Hong Kong, Krug Echoes was revealed at an intimate dinner held at the Krug Room at the Mandarin Oriental— the only Krug Room in the world. The House enlisted Richard Bamping, the principal cellist at the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, to taste various Krug Champagnes and select music based on the sensations and emotions he experienced. Richard, along with a violinist, pianist and soprano singer, performed his selections at the event as the guests tasted each Krug Champagne.
“For the first time in my life I saw tears in the eyes of those tasting champagne,” says Olivier. “He drew such emotion from everyone through that experience.”
Since then, the House has collaborated with musicians for more events to showcase Krug Echoes. “The music reflects what the musicians felt while tasting the champagne,” says Olivier. A selection of the music is available on the Krug app by typing in the Krug iD featured on a bottle’s back label. “The music echoes what the musicians felt while tasting the champagne,” says Olivier, who is a particular fan of who is a particular fan of works created by electronic duo Grand Soleil.
