A bottle of 1874 Perrier-Jouët Brut Millésimé is set to appear at Christie’s Finest and Rarest Wines and Spirits auction in December. Back in 1888, the famed auction house offered a bottle of the Perrier-Jouët Brut Millésimé 1874 and it became the most expensive Champagne ever sold at auction.
The iconic bottle of Champagne will now once more feature in Christie’s December sale, alongside a small number of other historic vintages carefully selected by Maison Perrier-Jouët Cellar Master Séverine Frerson from the Oenothèque Perrier-Jouët. Additionally, the auction will include bespoke experiences at the home of the illustrious Champagne House in Epernay.
“At Christie’s in 1888, the Perrier-Jouët 1874 vintage made history when it set the auction record for a bottle of champagne,” said Tim Triptree MW, International Director, Christie’s Wine & Spirits. “This December, our Finest and Rarest Wines and Spirits auction will celebrate the shared heritage between Christie’s and Perrier-Jouët by offering collectors the legendary 1874 vintage once again, alongside a rare selection of historic cuvées from the Oenothèque Perrier-Jouët and one-of-a-kind experiences at Maison Belle Epoque in Epernay.”
Cellar Master Séverine Frerson, Maison Perrier-Jouët: “Every bottle in the Oenothèque Perrier-Jouët is a testament to the heritage of the House. The fact that some of these cuvées have been transmitted through generations of Cellar Masters is something I find extraordinarily moving. I am proud to have been entrusted with this unique legacy, but also to have the opportunity to open it up to wine lovers the world over through our partnership with Christie’s, which shares our ethos of excellence.”
The collection will be highlighted by the Perrier-Jouët Brut Millésimé 1874 (estimate: $13,500-20,500), blended by Charles Perrier, the son of the founder of the Maison. 1874 is known as an excellent vintage and the resulting cuvée included highly regarded Chardonnay grapes from Cramant, one of the Maison’s original and most prestigious vineyards. It was destined primarily for the British market, where connoisseurs appreciated the elegant, dry style of Perrier-Jouët champagnes. When it was offered by Christie’s in 1888, this vintage remained the most expensive wine ever sold at auction until 1967. It is offered with a bespoke experience at the Maison Belle Epoque in Epernay, the home of the founding family, which showcases one of the largest private collections of French Art Nouveau in Europe. The experience comprises a night at Maison Belle Epoque for up to 10 people, a guided tour of the house and the cellars, a tasting of the full collection of current Perrier-Jouët cuvées and the 1874 vintage with Cellar Master Séverine Frerson, and a gastronomic meal prepared by three Michelin starred chef Pierre Gagnaire with champagne pairings from the Oenothèque Perrier-Jouët.
Further bottles presented for auction include Perrier-Jouët Brut Millésimé 1964, created by Maison Perrier-Jouët’s sixth Cellar Master, André Baveret, at the start of his almost 30-year tenure. It is offered with a bespoke experience for two people, including a visit to the Maison Belle Epoque, a guided tour of the house and the cellars, and a tasting of the full collection of current Perrier-Jouët cuvées.
Perrier-Jouët Blason de France was the emblematic cuvée of Maison Perrier-Jouët throughout the Sixties and Seventies. Its distinctive bottle inspired that of the current classic collection: Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé and Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs. The 1979 vintage, which was served at the Elysée Palace in 1987, was the last vintage before Perrier-Jouët Blason de France became a non-vintage cuvée. These vintages are offered with a bespoke experience for two people, including a visit to the Maison Belle Epoque, a guided tour of the house and the cellars, and a tasting of the full collection of current Perrier-Jouët cuvées.
In February, Perrier-Jouet and Christie’s announced a two-year global collaboration, offering collectors the chance to visit Maison Belle Epoque.
For more information, head over to Christie’s official website.
