Remy Krug, whose family has been producing the exclusive Krug champagne for five generations, was in Dublin on Wednesday for a special dinner hosted by his compatriot, restaurateur Patrick Guilbaud, at his restaurant beside the Merrion Hotel. About 75 invited guests tasted four of Krug's finest - the celebrated Grande Cuvee, a 1989 Rose, a 1989 Vintage and the very rare Clos de Mesnil - complemented by food presented by the forever-young-looking Guilbaud. Krug champagnes were characterised by finesse, elegance and richness, Remy explained - traits in evidence among the guests, who included leading business figures, hoteliers, restaurateurs, devoted customers of Restaurant Guilbaud and new residents at the Merrion Hotel. Krug is now available in Ireland for the first time, as good a sign as any of a bubbly economy.
Remy was introduced by Jean Calvet of the Calvet wine family, who is also managing director of Remy Ireland, distributors of Krug. Hoteliers included Peter McCann of the Merrion Hotel, Robert Bowe of Ashford Castle and Pascal Playon of Dromoland Castle. Tosca restaurant-owner Norman Hewson was among the feted few, as was Senator Maurice Manning, Gerard Healy of Guardian PMPA and Colm Barrington of Babcock and Brown.