Christie’s Finest and Rarest Wines and Spirits auction on 2 and 3 December will be highlighted by an exceptional collection of vintage cuvées from Maison Perrier-Jouët, including bespoke experiences at the home of the illustrious Champagne House in Epernay.
The sale marks a renewal of ties between Christie’s and Maison Perrier-Jouët dating back to 1888 when Christie’s offered a bottle of the record-breaking Perrier-Jouët Brut Millésimé 1874. This renowned vintage, which at that time set the benchmark for the most expensive champagne ever sold at auction, will once more feature in the December sale, alongside a small number of other historic vintages carefully selected by Maison Perrier-Jouët Cellar Master Séverine Frerson from the Oenothèque Perrier-Jouët.
Tim Triptree MW, International Director, Christie’s Wine & Spirits: “At Christie’s in 1888, the Perrier-Jouët 1874 vintage made history when it set the auction record for a bottle of champagne. This December, our Finest and Rarest Wines and Spirits auction will celebrate the shared heritage between Christie’s and Perrier-Jouët by offering collectors the legendary 1874 vintage once again, alongside a rare selection of historic cuvées from the Oenothèque Perrier-Jouët and one-of-a-kind experiences at Maison Belle Epoque in Epernay.”
Cellar Master Séverine Frerson, Maison Perrier-Jouët: “Every bottle in the Oenothèque Perrier-Jouët is a testament to the heritage of the House. The fact that some of these cuvées have been transmitted through generations of Cellar Masters is something I find extraordinarily moving. I am proud to have been entrusted with this unique legacy, but also to have the opportunity to open it up to wine lovers the world over through our partnership with Christie’s, which shares our ethos of excellence.”
The collection will be highlighted by Perrier-Jouët Brut Millésimé 1874 (estimate: £10,000-15,000), blended by Charles Perrier, the son of the founder of the Maison. 1874 was an excellent vintage and the resulting cuvée included highly regarded Chardonnay grapes from Cramant, one of the Maison’s original and most prestigious vineyards. It was destined primarily for the British market, where connoisseurs appreciated the elegant, dry style of Perrier-Jouët champagnes.
When it was offered by Christie’s in 1888, this vintage remained the most expensive wine ever sold at auction until 1967. Available once more through Christie’s in this auction, Perrier-Jouët Brut Millésimé 1874 is the leading lot of this exceptional collection. It is offered with a bespoke experience at the Maison Belle Epoque in Epernay, the home of the founding family, which showcases one of the largest private collections of French Art Nouveau in Europe.
The experience comprises a night at Maison Belle Epoque for up to 10 people, a guided tour of the house and the cellars, a tasting of the full collection of current Perrier-Jouët cuvées and the 1874 vintage with Cellar Master Séverine Frerson, and a gastronomic meal prepared by three Michelin starred chef Pierre Gagnaire with champagne pairings from the Oenothèque Perrier-Jouët.
Further bottles presented for auction include Perrier-Jouët Brut Millésimé 1964 (estimate: £700-£1,000), created by Maison Perrier-Jouët’s sixth Cellar Master, André Baveret, at the start of his almost 30-year tenure. It is offered with a bespoke experience for two people, including a visit to the Maison Belle Epoque, a guided tour of the house and the cellars, and a tasting of the full collection of current Perrier-Jouët cuvées.
Perrier-Jouët Blason de France was the emblematic cuvée of Maison Perrier-Jouët throughout the Sixties and Seventies. Its distinctive bottle inspired that of the current classic collection: Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé and Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs. The 1979 vintage, which was served at the Elysée Palace in 1987, was the last vintage before Perrier-Jouët Blason de France became a non-vintage cuvée.
These vintages are offered with a bespoke experience for two people, including a visit to the Maison Belle Epoque, a guided tour of the house and the cellars, and a tasting of the full collection of current Perrier-Jouët cuvées.
The exceptional trilogy of 1988 (estimate: £1500-2400 per 3 magnums), 1989 (estimate: £1500-2400 per 3 magnums) and 1990 (estimate: £1200-1800 per 3 magnums) vintages, is a rarity in Champagne. The cuvées were blended by André Baveret with the assistance of Hervé Deschamps, who succeeded him in 1993, becoming Maison Perrier-Jouët’s seventh Cellar Master. The trilogy is offered with a bespoke experience for two people, including a visit to the Maison Belle Epoque, a guided tour of the house and the cellars, and a tasting of the full collection of current Perrier-Jouët cuvées.
The Collection For Auction Includes
• Perrier-Jouët vintage 1874 (bottle)
• Perrier-Jouët vintage 1964 (bottle)
• Perrier-Jouët Blason de France 1976 (magnum)
• Perrier-Jouët Blason de France 1979 (magnum)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1979 (magnum)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1982 (magnum)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1988 (magnum)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1989 (magnum)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1990 (magnum)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1999 (magnum)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2000 (jeroboam)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs 2002 (bottle)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2004 (bottle)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé 2004 (bottle)
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé 2006 (bottle)
The auction follows the announcement of a two-year global collaboration between Christie’s and Perrier-Jouët, offering collectors varied opportunities to experience prestigious cuvées.
