Wine has been one of the key aspects of civilisation for over 3,000 years, with the drink celebrated for millennia. The Ancient Athenians had the Anthesteria, a festival celebrating Dionysus and also the maturing of the year’s wine. Today wine is a precious collectors’ item, with certain bottles costing thousands of pounds. Here are some of the most expensive wines in the world:
Chateau Margaux – the average bottle costs over £1,000, but a bottle from 1875 was valued at over £400,000. Unfortunately, the bottle was actually dropped, and the insurance company only paid out £200,000.
Chateau Lafite – in 2010, a bidding war in China caused a bottle of this fine wine from 1869 to sell for £232,000.
Heidsieck – Whilst it is not a wine, it has a fascinating story that resulted in this spirit selling for over £250,000. During the First World War, a shipment heading for Tsar Nicholas II was sunk by German U-boats. 2,000 bottles of this were among the shipment; when they were raised in 1997, less than 500 were drinkable.
Wines and alcohols can be very valuable, especially old bottles that hold an interesting story. These bottles must be protected and at Ascend we can help provide the best policy suited to you and your collection. Speak to us today on 01245 449060 to find out more.
