The Zest is Yet to Come: 12 Remarkable Pairings Between Lemon and Champagnes

In 2023, Krug celebrates a beacon of generosity and vitality, and the first fruit to be elected Single Ingredient: the vibrant citrus called lemon. Krug invited 12 chefs and Krug Cellar Master Julie Cavil on an inspiring culinary journey in Brazil. In this country that produces over 200 varieties of lemons, the chefs unleashed their imaginations to propose dishes that pair perfectly with a glass of Krug Grande Cuvée 117ème Édition or Krug Rosé 27ème Édition.

Each year the House of Krug invites Krug Ambassade chefs to tap into their creative talents around a single ingredient. After selecting the lemon for 2023, @Krug x @Lemon

Krug journeys to Brazil, bringing together 12 chefs to create remarkable pairings between lemon and Krug champagnes.

In a celebration of generosity and vitality, the House of Krug has chosen the vibrant citrus fruit, lemon, as its Single Ingredient for 2023. Known for its unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication to creating exceptional champagne, Krug embarked on a culinary journey to Brazil, bringing together 12 talented chefs to explore the remarkable pairings between lemon and Krug champagnes.

Brazil, a country renowned for producing over 200 varieties of lemons, served as the perfect backdrop for this culinary adventure. Over the course of three days, the participating chefs, accompanied by Krug Cellar Master Julie Cavil, immersed themselves in the diverse incarnations of lemon, from its various shapes and colors to its unique flavors and aromas. Inspired by the scent of lemon trees and the taste of different zests, these culinary artists unleashed their imaginations to create dishes that perfectly complemented the taste profiles of Krug Grande Cuvée 117ème Édition and Krug Rosé 27ème Édition.

@Krug x @Lemon

This gathering of chefs from 11 different countries, including Jacob de Neergaard, Stefan Fäth, Pierre Chomet, Paolo Lavezzini, Vicky Cheng, Kenta Kayama, Kihak Lim, Kenjiro Hashida, Nina Compton, Rafa Zafra, Justin Cogley, and Theo Clench, not only shared their gustatory memories but also formed new bonds through this shared experience. The chefs had the opportunity to learn from Brazilian researchers at the Sao Paulo Citrus Center, who provided insights into lemon preservation and the distinct characteristics of different lemon varieties such as Meyer lemon, Cravo lemon, Sicilian lemon, Tahiti lime, Harvey lemon, Eureka lemon, and Buddha’s hand.

The House of Krug, known for considering its vineyard plots as individual ingredients, shares a deep respect for terroirs and the dedicated individuals who cultivate them, whether it be the unique vineyards in Champagne or the lemon orchards in São Paulo. Lemon, with its mouthwatering acidity, surprising complexity, and nutritional value, holds a special place in culinary traditions and is an essential component of countless recipes.

After their enlightening three-day adventure, Julie Cavil and the participating chefs developed a profound appreciation for the lemon as their Single Ingredient. They skillfully crafted delectably unexpected recipes that perfectly complemented the flavors and aromas of Krug Grande Cuvée 171ème Édition and Krug Rosé 27ème Édition. The zingy character and electric energy of the lemon brought tension and balance to the Krug pairings, resulting in an extraordinary sensory experience.

In addition to the Brazilian journey, Krug extended an invitation to its global community of 112 Krug Ambassade chefs from 25 countries to explore their creativity with lemon. The result is a collection of original recipes titled “The Zest is Yet to Come.” This cookbook showcases the remarkable possibilities that emerge when unbridled creativity meets the versatile and vibrant lemon.

The Krug x Lemon collaboration highlights the House of Krug’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of culinary exploration and innovation. By bringing together the unique flavors of lemon and the extraordinary champagnes crafted by Krug, these pairings exemplify the brand’s pursuit of perfection and its desire to offer unparalleled sensory experiences.

As Krug continues to inspire and delight champagne enthusiasts around the world, this unexpected exploration of lemon demonstrates that there is always more to discover and savor. The zest truly is yet to come, as Krug and its culinary partners continue to unlock new dimensions of flavor and elevate the art of champagne pairing to new heights.