In the 23 years between 1843 when Joseph Krug set up his business and 1866 when he died, the international market in sparkling wines grew at an amazing rate from six to fifteen million bottles per year. The output changed rapidly to suit the consumers' taste. Still wine until the 1840s, the major product of the region fell away and was swamped by champagne which in itself changed from a sweet to a dry wine. Ironically this was the source of one of the differences between Krug and Jacquesson who favoured the sweet sparkling wine.
Relationships between the two men and their families became very strained. Krug took with him many of Jacquesson et Fils prominent customers.
In August 1844 Joseph purchased the stock, equipment and materials of Hyppolite de Vivès on very generous terms. Vivèswas a prominent Reims wine merchant whose capital largely helped Krug find the 324972 francs required. Krug et Cie was establishedin rented premises at No 8 rue St. Hilaire. Joseph's reputation as a blender saw him through these early days. He was making as much wine for other houses as for Krug et Cie. This enabled him to build up his capital while his own brand was in its infancy.
Four cuvées were produced in 1845 from blending wines to produce 40842 bottles at 1.45 fr each. In 1846 Krug et Cie bought their own grapes for the first time, and Krug founded the tradition of the now world famous company which has enoyed the patronage of royalty, the rich and the famous.
On 6 Dec 1846, Joseph Krug received French citizenship from the Préfect of Marne and Krug officially became Jean-Joseph Krug. At his death on 5 Aug 1866, Joseph Krug was a very wealthy man with a personal fortune calculated at 1,407,921 francs.
Prior to her marriage, Emma's brother-in-law, Adolphe Jacquesson arranged for her to learn the craft of stone engraving from the lithographer, Lemercier, and used his network of agents to publicise her work for sale. Emma, noted as being artistic, displayed a considerable talent in her design and preparation of her work. Emma and Adolphe were always very close and following the deaths of their spouses were of great comfort to each other in their last years.
Mme Emma Krug, blinded from diabetes and confined to bed for her last years, died at Reims on 2 Oct 1879.
The exploits of the succeeding Krug generations which descend from the only child, Paul, are closely linked with their business successes. Joseph Krug established the marque in 1842 and died a prosperous man. His only son, Paul, shared this fortune with his mother and set about turning his share into one of immense wealth which brought with it considerable influence in the whole industry. Paul instituted the Krug et Cie philosophies which still hold force today and make the product one of the most valued champagnes in the world!
Krug champagne has always been made, personally, through detailed selection, blending decisions and supervision, by the senior member - except in unavoidable circumstances the eldest male of the family.

Adapted and updated from:

Graham Jaunay, Première Qualité. The story of the Jaunay family in the 19th Century, Adelaide proformat, Adelaide 1994