Introduction
Contents
- Introduction
- History on Champagne
- Expensive Champagne Brands
- Types of Champagne Bottles
- Factor Making Champagne Bottles More Expensive
- Market and Popularity Trends of Champagne Bottles
- Top 10 Most Expensive Champagne Bottles In The World
- #1. 2013 Gout de Diamants, “Taste of Diamonds”
- #2. Dom Pérignon P3 Plénitude Brut Rosé
- #3. Dom Pérignon P3 Plénitude Brut
- #4. Louis Roederer Cristal ‘Gold Medallion’ Orfevres Limited Edition
- #5. Brut Millésimé
- #6. Krug Clos d’Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs Brut
- #7. Dom Pérignon Œnothèque Rosé
- #8. Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut ‘Spectre’ James Bond 007 Edition
- #9. Jacques Selosse Millésimé
- #10. Dom Pérignon Reserve de L’Abbaye
- #11. Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut
- Conclusion
Top 10 Most Expensive Champagne Bottles: Champagne is always known as the symbol of luxury and celebration. Some bottles are so rare and valuable that they cost thousands or even millions of dollars. The price of champagne depends on factors such as brand, age, rarity, and packaging. Collectors and wine lovers are willing to pay huge amounts for these exclusive bottles.
Many expensive champagnes are decorated with gold and diamonds, while others are aged for decades to develop a unique taste. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most expensive champagne bottles ever sold. Each one has a special story, making it more than just a drink; it’s a true piece of history and luxury. Let’s discover what makes them so valuable!
History on Champagne
- In the 17th century, Champagne producers faced difficulties with weak bottles that often exploded due to internal pressure from carbonation.
- British coal-fired glassmaking techniques led to stronger bottles capable of withstanding the pressure of sparkling wine.
- Champagne is primarily fermented in standard 750ml bottles and magnums (1.5 litres).
- Larger Champagne bottle sizes are often named after biblical figures, such as Jeroboam (3 litres) and Methuselah (6 litres).
- In 2009, an 1825 bottle of Perrier-Jouët Champagne was opened, officially recognised as the world’s oldest drinkable Champagne.
- In 2010, divers found 168 bottles of champagne from the early 19th century in a Baltic Sea shipwreck. Due to cold, dark conditions, the champagne was well-preserved.
- Analysis of the shipwrecked bottles revealed that 19th-century Champagne contained much higher sugar levels than modern versions.
- Champagne corks are designed to expand after insertion, creating a tight seal over time and thus developing a distinctive mushroom shape.
- In 1844, Adolphe Jaquesson invented the muselet, a wire cage that secures the cork and prevents it from popping under pressure.
- Today, Champagne bottles are crafted to withstand pressures up to 6 atmospheres, ensuring safety and quality in every bottle.
Expensive Champagne Brands
Brand | Cuvée Name | Price (USD) | Grape Composition | Features |
Louis Roederer | Cristal | 300+ | 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay |
Created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II, aged for 6 years in cellars. |
Armand de Brignac |
Brut Gold | 300+ | 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier | Known as “Ace of Spades,” a blend of three vintages, it is a flagship cuvée. |
Krug | Clos d’Ambonnay | 2,000+ | 100% Pinot Noir |
Sourced from a single 0.68-hectare vineyard, aged over 12 years. |
Moët & Chandon |
Dom Pérignon | 200+ | 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir | Vintage Champagne; first produced in 1921; aged for at least 8 years. |
Veuve Clicquot | La Grande Dame | 150+ | Predominantly Pinot Noir |
Named after the “Grande Dame of Champagne”; aged for a minimum of 7 years. |
Types of Champagne Bottles
Bottle Name | Volume (liters) | Equivalent Standard Bottles | Approximate Servings (4 oz each) |
Piccolo | 0.1875 | 1/4 |
1 |
Demi |
0.375 | 1/2 | 3 |
Standard | 0.75 | 1 |
6 |
Magnum |
1.5 | 2 | 12 |
Jeroboam | 3 | 4 |
24 |
Methuselah |
6 | 8 | 48 |
Salmanazar | 9 | 12 |
72 |
Balthazar |
12 | 16 | 96 |
Nebuchadnezzar | 15 | 20 |
120 |
Melchizedek |
30 | 40 |
240 |
Factor Making Champagne Bottles More Expensive
- The Champagne region in France has a restricted land area for grape cultivation, leading to higher grape prices due to limited supply.
- Champagne requires manual harvesting and a complex, time-consuming production process, including secondary fermentation in the bottle.
- Many Champagnes undergo prolonged ageing to develop their distinct flavours, which requires storage space and time and results in production expenses.
- Champagne’s global reputation as a luxury product elevates demand.
- Significant investments in marketing and brand positioning by Champagne houses contribute to the overall price of the product.
- Strict regulations governing the Champagne appellation ensure quality and exclusivity, limiting production to specific areas and methods.
Market and Popularity Trends of Champagne Bottles
- In 2024, the worldwide Champagne market was valued at approximately USD 6.43 billion.
- The market is expected to reach USD 7.92 billion by 2033 and will reach a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.3% from 2025 to 2033.
- In 2024, the U.S. Champagne market was valued at USD 1.7 billion
- In the same year, Champagne shipments decreased by 9.2%, totaling 271.4 million bottles
- France remains the largest consumer, with 138.3 million bottles consumed in 2022.
- Consumers are increasingly opting for more affordable sparkling wines, such as Prosecco and domestic varieties, leading to a 51.4% decrease in Champagne orders in Australia in October 2024 compared to the previous year.
Top 10 Most Expensive Champagne Bottles In The World
- 2013 Gout de Diamants, “Taste of Diamonds”: USD 1.6 million
- Dom Pérignon P3 Plénitude Brut Rosé: USD 5,305
- Dom Pérignon P3 Plénitude Brut: USD 4,831
- Louis Roederer Cristal ‘Gold Medallion’ Orfevres Limited Edition
- Brut Millésimé: USD 4,145
- Krug Clos d’Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs Brut: USD 3,341
- Dom Pérignon Œnothèque Rosé: USD 3,358
- Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut ‘Spectre’ James Bond 007 Edition: USD 2,768
- Jacques Selosse Millésimé: USD 2,626
- Dom Pérignon Reserve de L’Abbaye: USD 2,467
- Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut: USD 2,288
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#1. 2013 Gout de Diamants, “Taste of Diamonds”
(Source: celebremagazine.com)
- Price: USD 1.5 million per bottle.
- Designer: Crafted by luxury designer Alexander Amosu.
- Bottle Label: Features an 18-carat white gold label weighing about 48 grams.
- Centerpiece Diamond: Adorned with a flawless 19-carat white diamond.
- Design Inspiration: The bottle’s emblem is inspired by the Superman logo.
- Champagne Origin: Produced in France’s Grand East Region, specifically from the Champagne Chapuy di Oger winery.
- Grape Composition: From Grand Cru grapes, ensuring top-tier quality.
- Flavour: Offers a fresh palate with intense floral notes.
- Customization: The label can be personalized with the buyer’s name engraved.
- Release Year: Introduced to the market in 2013.
#2. Dom Pérignon P3 Plénitude Brut Rosé
(Source: vinovest.co)
- Grape Composition: A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
- Alcohol Content:5% ABV.
- Ageing Process: Matured for approximately 30 to 40 years on lees, enhancing complexity and depth.
- Appearance: Pale salmon pink hue with fine, persistent bubbles.
- Aroma Profile: Notes of grapefruit, cherries, brioche, roasted almonds, and minerals.
- Palate: Medium to full-bodied with flavours of red berries, citrus, and a creamy texture.
- Food Pairings: Complements meaty and oily fish such as salmon and mackerel.
- Price: USD 4,495 per 750ml bottle.
- Critical Acclaim: Received a score of 94/100 from critics.
- Producer: Crafted by Dom Pérignon, a renowned Champagne house under LVMH ownership.
#3. Dom Pérignon P3 Plénitude Brut
(Source: beverlyhillswinemerchant.com)
- Grape Composition: A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV):5%.
- Ageing Process: Matured for nearly 30 years on lees, enhancing depth and character.
- Aroma Profile: Notes of dried herbs, confit grapefruit, and subtle cinnamon.
- Flavor Profile: Creamy fullness with hints of shortbread biscuits and dried fruits.
- Colour: Beguiling golden hue.
- Serving Temperature: Optimal at 10-12°C (50-54°F).
- Food Pairings: Complements caviar, aged cheeses, and fine shellfish.
- Bottle Size: Standard 750ml; some vintages available in magnum (1.5L).
- Price: Around USD 3,000 to USD 5,000
#4. Louis Roederer Cristal ‘Gold Medallion’ Orfevres Limited Edition
(Source: beverlyhillswinemerchant.com)
- Vintage: 2002
- Grape Composition: Approximately 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.
- Bottle Size: Jeroboam (3 litres).
- Production: Limited edition, exclusively crafted during exceptional harvest years.
- Bottle Design: Encased in a handcrafted lattice of 24-carat gold.
- Craftsmanship: Each bottle requires two master goldsmiths, 12 specialised artisans, 7 meters of 24-carat gold-plated brass, 158 silver soldering points, and four days to complete.
- Ageing: Aged for over six years in Louis Roederer’s cellars
- Flavour: Silky texture with notes of sweet flowers, cocoa, roasted hazelnuts, and candied citrus.
- Price: USD 25,500 per bottle.
- Availability: Extremely limited, appealing to collectors and connoisseurs.
#5. Brut Millésimé
(Source: enterwine.com)
- Grape Composition: Typically a blend of 64% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, and 11% Pinot Meunier.
- Alcohol Content: Generally around 12.5% ABV, as seen in Taittinger’s Brut Millésimé 2016.
- Ageing: Aged for a minimum of 5 years; Alfred Gratien’s version matures for at least 7 years, surpassing the legal requirement of 3 years.
- Appearance: Pale gold hue with fine, persistent bubbles.
- Aroma: Notes of white fruits, wild berries, and subtle hints of toast and yeast.
- Palate: Lively acidity with flavours of peach, apple, and a creamy texture.
- Serving Temperature: Best enjoyed chilled, between 7-9ºC.
- Bottle Size: Standard 750ml bottles.
- Food Pairings: Complements white meat, and light fish dishes and serves as an excellent aperitif.
- Notable Producers: Renowned houses include Taittinger, Alfred Gratien, and André Clouet.
#6. Krug Clos d’Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs Brut
(Source: alko.fi)
- Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir.
- Vineyard Size:68 hectares (1.68 acres).
- Location: Ambonnay village, Champagne region, France.
- First Vintage:
- Ageing Period: Over 12 years in Krug’s cellars.
- Production: Limited quantities due to the small vineyard size.
- Alcohol Content: Approximately 12% ABV.
- Serving Temperature: Recommended between 9°C and 12°C.
- Bottle Size: Standard 750 ml.
- Price Range: USD 2,000 to USD 3,500 per bottle.
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#7. Dom Pérignon Œnothèque Rosé
(Source: bonhams.com)
- Vintage: 1993
- Grape Composition: Approximately 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay
- Ageing: Aged on lees for over 15 years before disgorgement
- Alcohol Content: Approximately 12.5% ABV
- Appearance: Deep salmon-pink hue with fine, persistent bubbles
- Aroma: Complex bouquet of red berries, citrus zest, and subtle toasty notes
- Palate: Full-bodied with flavours of ripe strawberries, cherries, and hints of spice
- Finish: Long, elegant finish with balanced acidity
- Serving Temperature: Best served chilled at 10-12°C (50-54°F)
- Food Pairing: Complements dishes like duck breast, tuna tartare, and aged cheeses
#8. Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut ‘Spectre’ James Bond 007 Edition
(Source: millesima.ie)
- Vintage:
- Grape Composition: 68% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay.
- Origin: Sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards.
- Fermentation: Conducted in small, old oak barrels.
- Disgorgement Date: February 2019.
- Dosage: 8 grams per litre.
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12%
- Bottle Design: Jet-black 75cl bottle adorned with the number “25”.
- Packaging: Presented in a wooden box with glass etched with titles of previous Bond films.
- Price: £328 per 75cl bottle.
#9. Jacques Selosse Millésimé
(Source: rarewineinvest.com)
- Grape Composition: Predominantly Chardonnay, with some vintages incorporating Pinot Noir.
- Region: Sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in Avize, Champagne, France.
- Vintage: Produced in 2002, 2008, 2009, and 2012.
- Fermentation: Utilizes natural yeast fermentation in oak barrels to enhance complexity.
- Ageing: 9 years on lees before disgorgement.
- Dosage: Extra Brut style with low dosage, typically between 0-4 g/L.
- Production Volume: Limited production.
- Alcohol Content: 5% ABV.
- Bottle Size: Standard 750ml.
- Price: The 2008 vintage is priced at USD 4,200.89 USD, while the 2012 vintage is available for USD 1,950.00.
#10. Dom Pérignon Reserve de L’Abbaye
(Source: thefinestbubble.com)
- Grape Composition: Approximately 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir.
- Ageing Duration: Around 20 years on the lees.
- Alcohol Content:5% ABV.
- Dosage: 12 grams per litre.
- Bottle Size: 750 ml.
- Packaging: Gold-labeled bottle, often presented in a wooden gift box.
- Market Release: Initially exclusive to Japan.
- Vintage Example: 1995 vintage priced at USD 2,744.70.
- Tasting Notes: Aromas of dried herbs, candied grapefruit, and lemon; palate features cinnamon, biscuits, and raisin flavours.
- Availability: Extremely limited, with individual bottle numbering.
#11. Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut
(Source: thefinestbubble.com)
- Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay.
- Vineyard Size: 84 hectares.
- Location: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne, France.
- Aging Period: Over 12 years on lees.
- Production: A limited 12,548 bottles and 500 magnums were produced in 2004.
- Alcohol Content: Almost 12% ABV.
- Serving Temperature: Recommended between 9°C and 12°C.
- Price Range: USD 1,600 to USD 2,500.
- Tasting Notes: Aromas of citrus, toasted nuts, and hints of praline; flavors of honey, candied citrus, and a long, elegant finish.
- Notable Vintages: 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008.
Conclusion
Most Expensive Champagne Bottles: Expensive champagne bottles are more than just drinks; such bottles are symbols of luxury and celebration. The high price comes from rare ingredients, special production methods, and ageing processes that enhance taste and quality. Popular brands such as Dom Pérignon and Cristal are known for their rich flavours and fine bubbles.
Such expensive champagnes are often bought for special events or as investments. Meanwhile, they may not be affordable for everyone, but they offer a unique experience for those who enjoy premium beverages. This article reports the value of expensive champagne depends on personal preference and the joy it brings to special moments.