A Journey Through Mexico, Pursuing the Pairing of Krug and Pepper

KRUG

Five Years of Relentless Pursuit in Food Pairing

Since 2015, Krug has dedicated itself each year to exploring pairings with a single ingredient, compiling recipes created by chefs from around the world into a collection called "KRUG BOOK." For its fifth iteration in 2019, the theme was pepper. Thirteen chefs embarked on a journey to Mexico to pursue the ultimate pairing.

Text by WASEDA Kosaku (OPENERS)

Thirteen Chefs Gather from Around the Globe

Since its founding in 1843, the Champagne house Krug has consistently adhered to a philosophy of maximizing the potential of each individual plot of vineyard. This approach stems from the belief that by subdividing the land based on diverse conditions such as sun exposure and slope, wines of unique character can be created.

This respect for each parcel of the vineyard inspired Krug's distinctive concept of "illuminating a single ingredient." Each year, Krug Ambassadors—top chefs from around the world—propose supreme pairings centered on one ingredient.

For 2019, its fifth year, the chosen ingredient is "pepper." A versatile ingredient, it is prepared in various ways across different cultures, used grilled, steamed, chilled, or as a condiment.

Krug invited thirteen carefully selected chefs from its global roster of approximately 150 "Krug Ambassadors" to Oaxaca, Mexico. Mexico, the birthplace of pepper, has a deeply rooted culinary culture that incorporates it. Against this backdrop, they explored the ultimate pairing of Krug and pepper. Representing Japan were Yosuke Suga of SUGALABO and pastry chef Issei Narita.

Each chef meticulously selected elements that would best complement the flavors and aromas of Krug Grande Cuvée or Krug Rosé. Through a multitude of cooking methods and inspired creativity, they crafted pairings that transcended the limitations of single-vintage wines.

The dishes, born from the ambassadors' innovative and imaginative approaches, were truly works of art, embodying Krug's philosophy.

Eric Lebel, Krug's Chef de Cave, who accompanied them on this journey, commented: "Each year, we invite our Krug Ambassadors to focus on a single ingredient and devise a dish that creates a remarkable pairing with Krug Champagne. This pays homage to the Maison's savoir faire—the idea of considering each small plot of the vineyard as an individual entity, a precious element for Krug. The 2019 ingredient, pepper, is deeply rooted in the earth and history, diverse yet enigmatic. Its forms and varieties are incredibly varied, and today, over 50,000 people are involved in its cultivation. Its origins lie in Mexico. I left the vineyards to spend time with the chefs as they strove to find the finest ingredients in the chili fields of Oaxaca, Mexico, and was amazed by the inspirational and innovative recipes they created, worthy of Krug Champagne."

Details about this journey through Mexico, exploring the pairing of Krug and pepper, can be found on the Krug official website's Pepper page. We encourage you to visit the Krug official website as well.

Krug x Pepper
https://www.krug.com/jp/krug-stories/krug-x-pepper

Krug Official Website
https://www.mhdkk.com/brands/krug/

Contact

MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo
Tel.03-5217-9736