Why is Champagne so expensive?
When was the last time you drank Champagne and were unhappy?
No, right? Champagne is the epitome of sparkling bubbles, decadence, luxury, and intoxicating bliss. But the feeling of extravagant luxury certainly doesn't come cheap.
How has the price become an inseparable part of Champagne's mythical character?
One of the most important reasons is the meticulous and sometimes quite slow process of producing a bottle of the golden drops.
Only wines from the Champagne region in northern France are allowed to bear the famous name. It is fermented twice; first in barrels or tanks, then in the bottle - a minimum of 18 months, but often for several years - this helps to mature the flavor and develop complexity.
The grapes are of the highest quality and perfectly suited to the climate in which they grow. The cool climate of the Champagne region gives the grapes a mild acidity, while the chalky soil gives a rich body that is unique to Champagne.
In short: You are paying for a high-class product.
Another factor contributing to Champagne's high price is that its history is inextricably linked to grandeur and fame. It began in the 18th century, when Philippe II served Champagne at his lavish parties. From the French court, Champagne's popularity quickly spread to Europe's upper class and soon the first pure Champagne houses were founded, such as Ruinart, Moët & Chandon and Louis Roederer.
The impressive history has contributed to the fact that the price of Champagne itself has become a badge of nobility. Wine expert Hugh Johnson explains that "Champagne went on to become synonymous with celebration, as no other wine has been. It became an inseparable part of the taste for luxury". Napoleon's army celebrated victories by opening Champagne with a sabre, the so-called Sabrage - a gesture that is equal parts triumph, splendor and pure blasphemy. Yes, history has taught us that Champagne is a symbol of success and prosperity.
Champagne is also the desire to aspire higher - a shortcut to the stars. It is hardly a coincidence that among the most expensive bottles in the world, both royal splendor and fashionable luxury are almost a given. Dom Pérignon 1961 was drunk at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, and when it later became available on the free market it was one of the first bottles to be a collector's item from the start. Dom Pérignon also made Champagne part of the exclusive circles of the fashion world, first with Karl Lagerfeld's design of Dom Pérignon 1998.
In this way, Champagne is both old money and new-rich glamour; Mærsk McKinney Møller and Nik & Jay in a beautiful duet. This unique combination makes Champagne something that the whole of society wants to achieve. In a time when social inequality is one of the great debate topics, Champagne comes to our rescue. Champagne expert Jared M. Brown puts it this way: " Champagne is the great equalizer, it makes everyone feel like royalty ."
Champagne always leaves us with the desire for more, perhaps best expressed by the American economist John Maynard Keynes on his deathbed:
My only regret in life is that I didn't drink more Champagne."
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