5 of the world’s best champagnes

Champagne has been synonymous with luxury and celebration for over 300 years. The tradition began in the courts of European royalty in the mid-18^th Century and today no special occasion or success is complete without it.

Salon Le Mesnil

Salon is recognised amongst connoisseurs as the world’s most sought after Champagne. The story began in the early 20th century when Eugène Aimé Salon, a wealthy furrier, returned to his native Champagne to fashion a wine made from 100% Chardonnay. His achievement was motivated solely by his personal pleasure and to impress his peers and customers.

Louis Roederer Cristal “2000” 1990

Cristal is a chameleon; it was equally at home on the table of Tsars and the greatest connoisseurs as it is today in the hands of acelebrity. Cristal must be used for occasions where one wants to be noticed; there is no finer bottle to attract attention than Cristal’s “2000” 1990, released as a special edition to commemorate the millennium. Just 2000 mathusalam (6 litre bottles) were made, each numbered and presented in a handmade wooden case.

Krug Clos d’Ambonnay

The name Krug is synonymous with exclusivity and their tiny vineyard, d’Ambonnay is the epitome of rarity. Krug purchased the vineyard after a 20 year search and production is less than a third of their other famed single vineyard, Clos de Mesnil. Clos d’Ambonnay is ideal for imitate celebrations like anniversaries. Only three vintages have ever been released, each aged in complete secrecy.

Dom Perignon 1995 White Gold

Dom Perignon is one of the most famous brands in the world. It was purchased by Moet Hennessey in 1937 and has since been produced as the zenith of their range in only exceptional years. Dom Perignon exudes elegance – it was served at the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1985 and more recently the maison has produced the exceptionally rare White Gold edition. The bottle is encased with white gold with an etched label and the result is breath-taking elegance befitting the most glamorous occasion.

Heidsieck Monopole Diamant Bleu 1907 “Shipwrecked
Bottles”

Over 2000 bottles of Heidsieck 1907 vintage were discovered in a shipwreck in 1997; the Jönköping was originally sunk by a German submarine off the coast of Finland while delivering its valuable cargo to the imperial court of Tsar Nicholas II. Despite being submerged for over 80 years the wine still displays complexity with a hint of fizz. These bottles have been sold in auction all over the world and are available for $275,000 at the Ritz Carlton Moscow.

By Johnathan Hirsch, Wine expert

For champagne enquiries, please contact your Insignia Lifestyle Boutique personal assistant.