A groundbreaking auction event in Paris has turned the spotlight on the incredible investment potential of fine champagne wines. Increasingly recognized for their unique qualities, fine champagnes from premier labels like Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Louis Roederer are gaining traction among collectors worldwide.

An Unprecedented Sale of Fine Champagnes

Held on 20 June, the Sotheby’s ‘The Ultimate Champagnes’ auction was a historic, champagne-exclusive event in Paris. Featuring rare wines from notable producers like Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Salon, the event saw total sales reach an impressive €1.35 million (US$1.45 million). What set this auction apart was that more than 50% of the lots sold exceeded their pre-sale high estimates, underscoring the growing appreciation and demand for fine champagne.

The Highlighted Lots

Several standout lots were notable for their exceptional sale prices, which far surpassed initial estimates. For instance:

• **Salon Le Mesnil, Blanc de Blancs 1990**: Three magnums sold for €25,000, significantly higher than the estimated €9,500-13,000.
• **Dom Pérignon P3 1966**: One magnum fetched a price of €23,750, well above the pre-sale estimate of €7,500-9,500.
• **Krug Collection 1985**: Six magnums were sold for €21,250, against an estimate of €11,000-14,000.

These sale prices are inclusive of the buyer's premium and highlight the high level of interest and enthusiasm from bidders, notably from Southeast Asia and Continental Europe.

Market Dynamics: A Shifting Landscape

The fine wine market has witnessed fluctuations over the past year, with some indicators showing a dip in prices. According to Liv-ex, the Champagne 50 index fell by nearly 14% in value in the 12 months leading up to May 2024. However, despite this short-term decline, the index remains up by almost 47% over five years, illustrating champagne's growing prominence in the investment market.

Sotheby’s also reported a significant increase in both the value and volume of champagne sold at their auctions, with sales jumping from US$1.9 million in 2022 to US$5.3 million in 2023. Champagne sales now account for a considerably larger portion of the auction market, with Krug entering the top 10 producers sold by value for the first time.

The Broader Impact of the Auction

In addition to the champagne auction, there was notable activity in Bordeaux. Baghera/wines hosted a sale from the cellars of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, achieving total sales of €1.85 million. This auction featured 476 lots sold out of 603, with highlights including a single magnum of Ducru-Beaucaillou 1945 that sold for €21,960—far exceeding its estimate of €8,000.

These events underscore a broader trend of increasing interest in fine wines, both champagnes and Bordeaux varieties, as viable and lucrative investment opportunities.

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With the champagne market showing significant growth and strong returns on investment, now is the perfect time to consider expanding or starting a fine wine collection. Join Quincy at Quincy Wine Platform to explore premium wines and secure valued assets for the future. By leveraging blockchain technology, Quincy ensures the provenance and quality of each wine bottle, providing peace of mind for wine collectors and investors alike.