Champagne Salvaged From 19th Century Shipwreck

Some truly rare wines are about to go under the hammer–and chances are they would survive even if that were literally true. Coming up in June, two bottles of champagne (Veuve Clicquot and Juglar) salvaged from a 19th-century shipwreck will be auctioned off. The apparently indestructible bottles are sure to fetch a hefty price.

Click on through to read the whole press release, including information on how to place a bid. (Good idea: Do not drink while bidding on this auction.)

Acker Merrall & Condit to Auction Rare and Extraordinary Champagne Salvaged From 19th Century Shipwreck

Bottles from Early 1840s Thought to Be Oldest Champagne Available for Sale in the World

Historic Live Auction Scheduled for June 3, 2011 at Alandica Culture and Congress Centre, Aland

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Acker Merrall & Condit, the world’s premier wine auction house, announced today it will auction two of the oldest and rarest bottles of wine in the world — Champagnes recovered in 2010 from a 19th century shipwreck off the A…land Islands of Finland.

This unique auction will feature two single bottles, one each from the legendary houses of Veuve Clicquot and Juglar. These vintage Champagnes, which date to the early 1840s and are thought to be the oldest Champagnes for sale in existence, are among the most exciting discoveries ever in the world of wine.

To commemorate this unprecedented event, in the days preceding the auction the government of Aland, which owns the priceless bottles, will host exclusive dinners and tastings showcasing many of the world’s great Champagnes and featuring Richard Juhlin, the world’s foremost Champagne authority, and John Kapon, CEO of Acker Merrall.

“There are few truly historic events in the world of wine, but this is one,” said John Kapon, CEO of Acker Merrall & Condit. “Having survived nearly two centuries, these amazing bottles of vintage Champagne are without precedent. And it is our enormous privilege to partner with the Government of Aland in presenting these unique wines to the world. The events surrounding the auction will be filled with excitement and anticipation, and the auction itself is sure to be one of the most important and exhilarating in the history of wine.”

Richard Juhlin said, “These bottles are unparalleled in the world of wine. One can only speculate on the final price, but it is likely to reach a record level!”

The auction will take place at Alandica Culture and Congress Center on June 3, 2011 at 3pm EET (8am ET). Bidders can participate in person, via telephone, or on the Internet. Prospective bidders must register for the auction by emailing info@ackerwines.com or visiting www.ackerwines.com.

About the Aland Champagne Discovery

During the summer of 2010, divers discovered unique bottles of champagne in a shipwreck off the Aland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland, at the mouth of the Baltic Sea. The name of the sunken vessel is still unknown, as is its destination, but it is speculated the cargo was bound for the court of the Russian Emperor, Nicholas I, in St Petersburg. Following a successful salvage operation, it was discovered the bounty included some of the world’s oldest champagnes, wines from the famed houses of Veuve Clicquot, Juglar, and Heidsieck.

About Acker Merrall & Condit

Founded in 1820, Acker Merrall & Condit is America’s oldest fine wine merchant and the world’s largest fine and rare wine auction house. With operations in New York and Hong Kong, Acker Merrall & Condit hosts over two dozen live and internet auctions annually, and conducts retail operations from its historic headquarters on New York’s West Side. Acker is devoted to helping customers buy, sell, and experience the world’s great wines.