Experts discover 170-year-old bottle of champagne on sea floor - and drink it

30 December 2023 , 09:07

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The haul of drinks found at the bottom of the sea (Image: Anders Naesman Salvage Services/EPA/REX/Shutterstock)

Scattered across the seabed lie wrecks of ships and vessels that have fallen foul of the sea - and every now and again a new treasure is discovered in the depths.

Amid the skeletons, rotting hulls and priceless necklaces thrown into the sea by old ladies in major Hollywood movies, one team in 2010 found a huge cache of 168 musty old bottles. On closer inspection they were found to hold Champagne and had sunk into the Baltic Sea in 1852. Despite the decades under the ocean they were still drinkable and, two years after their discovery, 11 sold at auction for around £100,000. Biochemist Philippe Jeandet, from the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, was later given three to analyse and he said its time under the sea had meant it had aged “to perfection”.

An expert said the Champagne had "aged to "perfection" (AFP via Getty Images)

Despite that he claimed it had “animal notes”, “wet hair”, and was a “bit cheesy”. He added: “Upon swirling the wine in the glass to oxygenate it, the aroma became far more pleasant, with the main aromas described as empyreumatic (burnt), grilled, spicy, smoky, and leathery, together with fruity and floral notes.”

Earlier this year a supermarket people might not have thought of was named best for its champagne. Asked a panel of four independent wine experts to bling-taste a number of campaigns and told to pick the best. ’s Les Pionniers Champagne topped the list, scoring an impressive 85% thanks to its smoky notes and hints of red apple, lemon and grape, which will only set shoppers back £22.75 a pop.

Experts praised its smooth creaminess, pleasant freshness and long savour finish. Major discount retailer Aldi came a short second with its Monsigny Premier Cru Champagne scoring 81%. This all-round crowd-pleaser is priced at £21.99 and is considered a great option without blowing the budget.

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These two bottles were rated higher than the most expensive champagne the panel tasted. Renowned Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne received a score of 77%. This comes in at £47 a bottle. Which? Also found ’s Veuve Olivier & Fils Secret de Cave Champagne rated well and didn’t break the bank at £28 per bottle. Experts said it had a full-flavoured fizz with aromas of spiced apple, red fruit and citrus.

Another popular choice was ’s Brut Champagne, at £21.99 a bottle. This was described as having fresh and lively lemony aromas and a pleasing biscuity note.

Antony Clements-Thrower