A bottle of bubbly is often recognised for its quality, class, style, heritage and luxury so it is not surprising that a bottle can cost from hundreds to millions of ringgit, especially if it is a limited edition. Here, Top 10 of Malaysia shares its list of the world’s 10 most sought-after luxury champagne brands.
KRUG (1843)
Johann-Joseph Krug founded Krug at Reims in Champagne, France. Now owned by a multinational conglomerate with other brands in its portfolio, the Krug family is still involved in key decisions today. A bottle of Krug Brut David Sugar Engraved “Quail Design in Flowering Tree” is priced at £1,080 (RM6,024.29).
MOËT & CHANDON (1743)
Founded by Claude Moët, the brand produces about 26 million bottles of champagne yearly. It also holds a Royal Warrant to supply champagne to Elizabeth II and its bottles have an average selling price of £832 (RM4,640.94) which is the cost of Moët & Chandon Bi Centenary Cuvée Dry Imperial 1943.
PIPER-HEIDSIECK (1777)
A German named Florens-Louis Heidsieck founded Piper-Heidsieck and as a top choice for Marilyn Monroe among others, Marie Antoinette was its first ever brand ambassador. A find of 200 shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck bottles of champagne are each priced at a whopping £210,905.74 (RM1,178,366.99) today!
VEUVE CLICQUOT (1772)
The brand proves tempting to the ‘Kylie’ generation as its popularity grows among Tinseltown’s youth. Founded by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, it also holds a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth II. Naturally, a limited edition set of 30 75cl bottles of varying Veuve Clicquot champagnes can cost up to £13,500 (RM75,426.84).
LAURENT-PERRIER (1812)
André-Michel Pierlot founded the company which was willed to Eugene Laurent who ran it with his wife, Mathilde Emilie Perrier. Over time, her daughter sold it and in 1949, Bernard de Nonancourt took over. Today, his daughters manage it and just 75cl of Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Rosé 2004 can cost £298 (RM1,664.98).
LANSON (1760)
The origin of the brand started with François Delamotte who was succeeded by his son Nicholas-Louis in 1798. Jean-Baptiste Lanson became a partner of Nicholas-Louis and he renamed the brand in 1837. Today, a 900cl bottle of Lanson Black Label Salamanzar Champagne Brut NV in a gift box can cost up to £490 (RM2,733.24).
G.H. MUMM (1827)
German winemaking brothers, Jacobus, Gottlieb and Phillip Mumm founded G.H. Mumm with 2 friends. Currently owned by French company, Pernod Ricard, Usain Bolt was appointed CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) in 2016. Today, a bottle of 1952 G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut champagne costs £393.64 (RM2,196.40).
GOÛT DE DIAMANTS (2012)
Founder and CEO of Prodiguer Brands, Shammi Shinh is responsible for creating the world’s most expensive champagne which is the limited edition bottle of Goût de Diamants’ Taste of Diamonds as designed by Alexander Amosu. Launched in 2013, it costs £1.2m (RM6,704,608.38) and each bottle carries a Swarovski crystal.
POMMERY (1857)
Pommery founded a champagne business with Henry Vasiner and Adolphe Hubinet to support his newborn child. After he passed on, Madame Pommery took the reins, and the rest is history! Today, a 1982 Pommery Cuvée Louise Brut Rosé Millesime has an average selling price of £333 (RM1,857.39).
NICOLAS FEUILLATTE (1972)
Founded by Nicolas Feuillatte, it is the best-selling champagne brand in France and third worldwide, though the second youngest on this list. It has been enjoying a ‘sell-out’ status since its first batch of vintage bottles. A bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte’s Palmes d’Or Rose 2005 has an average selling price of £111.83 (RM623.85).
