The Discovery Of The World's Oldest Drinkable Champagne

In 2010, a shipwreck was discovered at the depths of the Baltic Sea, near Silverskär, a small island in Finland's Åland archipelago.

At the wine tasting fair in Finland, the contents of one of the discovered bottles of champagne were poured into rows of waiting glasses. Photo Credit: The History Blog

In 2010, a shipwreck was discovered at the depths of the Baltic Sea, near Silverskär, a small island in Finland’s Åland archipelago.

This wreckage revealed an extraordinary collection of 200 bottles of champagne, predominantly from the prestigious houses of Juglar and Veuve Clicquot, dating back to approximately 1840.

Subsequent analysis revealed that a portion of these vintage wines remained in commendable condition, thanks to the cold and dark environment that surrounded them on the seabed.

Champagne expert Richard Juhlin shared his thoughts on the world’s oldest drinkable champagne at a wine tasting event held at the Åland Islands in Finland.

He told the AFP that, “It’s a really really great champagne and it’s amazing that it is with this age…It probably would have tasted better a few years ago but it is still amazingly refreshing.”

The discovery ignited a collaborative scientific endeavour between Veuve Clicquot and the island of Silverskär, aptly named ‘Cellar in the Sea.’ Over the next four decades, researchers intend to extract samples from the champagne at regular intervals to scrutinise the molecular transformations that occur as the champagne ages underwater.

This innovative experiment aims to deepen the understanding of the ageing process in unique conditions, potentially yielding insights into both historical wine-making techniques and contemporary practices.

Such studies not only reflect the rich heritage of champagne production but also signify the fusion of history and science, underscoring the excitement surrounding this extraordinary find.

The encounter with these preserved bottles constitutes an invaluable opportunity for oenologists and scientists alike, promising to reveal the secrets of a bygone era while enhancing the appreciation of this traditional beverage.