Champagne
Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck
Written by: Paul Dunshea
Being the world’s most
expensive champagne,
1907 Heidsieck doesn’t only
have a long and fascinating
history behind it but it has been
subject to a variety of rumors
as well. This particular range of
champagne is believed to be
found under the depth of oceans
when a World War II ship that was
sailing towards Russia drowned
after engaging in a sea battle
with the Germans.
One historical account suggests
that 1907 vintage were being
smuggled to the Soviet Union
for their army or for Tsar Nicolas
I. There are multiple accounts
regarding this ship and the only
truth is the one you choose to
believe depending on the wide
range of sources that have
narrated these events.
That being said, there is a
consensus on the fact that the
ship was discovered in 1997
and many were astounded to
see that 200 bottles of vintage
champagne remained there
completely untouched and
undamaged. Due to this
intriguing tale and history, the
champagne has now gained a
legendary status among alcohol
lovers who are always looking for
something that offers vintage yet
impeccable taste.
The first auction for 1907
Heidsieck champagne was
held in London that offered
merely 23 bottles. The highest
price fetched that night was
around $4,000 which was a
world record at that time when it
came to champagne auctions.
Since then, there have been
stories making rounds that an
exclusive group of buyers has
already cornered the shipwreck
champagne market. There was
also a rumor that Caviar House
made a hefty purchase of this
particular brand of champagne
that involved a price of around
$3 million!
Moscow’s Ritz-Carlton was also
able to get twelve bottles of the
champagne which were sold
at a price of $35,000 per bottle.
However, an auction was held
soon after where the price of
each bottle hit an unbelievable
sum of $275,000! There is a
reason why it’s regarded as
the world’s most expensive
champagne.
Although many would argue
the price tag is totally unjustified
and one could find better
champagnes at much more
economical and reasonable
cost, you have to bear in mind
that it’s not just the alcohol
people are paying for. It’s a piece
of a history – a page from the
past that makes the champagne
much more valuable than just
how it feels on your palate.
When the drink swirls in the glass
and you take a sip, you know this
isn’t just another vintage blend
created to appease your taste
buds but a thrill of an experience
you wouldn’t find anywhere
else. That’s why Shipwrecked
1907 Heidsieck will always be in
a class of its own. It’s not just a
champagne – it’s history.
Polo De’Marco July 2020