Shipwrecks & Champagne: Photos

Posted by | Posted in Out of the Glass | Posted on 05-14-2012

Nearly two years ago, marine archeologists discovered a 165+-year-old shipwreck in the Baltic Sea, in waters south of Åland. In the wreckage were 162 bottles of Champagne, from Veuve Clicquot, Heidsieck, and Juglar, a defunct house that’s now part of Jacquesson. Shockingly, about half of the Champagne came out intact — and in excellent condition, as it “lay horizontally, under pressure, at a low temperature, and in the dark.”

Last month came news that Paris auction firm Artcurial Briest–Poulain–F.Tajan was selected to sell the wines. On June 6, the firm will auction off 11 bottles — six from Juglar, four from Veuve-Clicquot, and one from Heidsieck. The bottles are expected to fetch around $13,000 each.

While a number of bottles will be kept for museum purposes, the rest will be sold at auction over the next few years. Proceeds from all the auctions will go towards Baltic marine conservation. Check out some amazing photos below. And if you purchase one of these bottles, I hope you’ll invite me over when you open it!

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  1. […] those bottles of Champagne discovered in a 165+-year-old shipwreck in the Baltic Sea? Turns out they’re still […]