The ultimate celebratory investment wine, Champagne corks will be popping for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this weekend.
The growing global demand for top Champagne for investment is certainly boosted by unique special events such as weddings, christenings, and anniversaries, especially the unique and extraordinary celebration of 70 years on the throne.
Great Champagnes have been enshrined as ‘celebratory bottles’ by royalty in the past with Moet & Chandon producing coronation cuvees for King Edward VII, George V, George VI and for our own Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Granted the Royal warrant in 1893 by Queen Victoria, Moet & Chandon have released Imperial and Rosé Champagnes for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
But Champagne is also a major cause for celebration, as well as the means to mark one. Investment wines from the region are some of the top performers on the secondary market, with average growth of over 50% in the last year.
At the end of Q1 2022 the Liv-ex Champagne 50 recorded the highest average regional growth for one, two and three years at 51.2%, 70.3% and 69% respectively. Burgundy is challenging Champagne for the title of top regional price performer in 2022 but for access and liquidity, Champagne investments will always provide greater options for investors.
Top traded investment wines by value in Q1 2022
1 | Louis Roederer, Cristal 2008 |
2 | Dom Perignon 2012 |
3 | Screaming Eagle, Oakville Sauvignon Blanc 2018 |
4 | Louis Roederer, Cristal 2014 |
5 | Louis Roederer, Cristal 2013 |
Source: Liv-ex Fine Wine Market Q1 2022 Report, April 2022
Investment Champagne is produced in significantly larger volumes than top Burgundy and Bordeaux. The key Champagne brands are also much more widely recognised by global consumers and collectors due to the phenomenal marketing of the region and its top producers. Investment Champagnes also tend to be available at more accessible price points. The combination of these factors mean that Champagne is very ‘liquid’ with a track record of strong and stable growth.
Top 5 investment wines in April 2022
| Wine | Region | Growth |
1 | Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2007 | Champagne | 9.8% |
2 | Chateau Palmer 2018 | Bordeaux | 7.9% |
3 | Pol Roger, Sir Winston 2012 | Champagne | 5.7% |
4 | Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2000 | Bordeaux | 5.4% |
5 | Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne 2008 | Champagne | 4.7% |
Source: Liv-ex May 2022 Market Report
The top performing investment wine in the secondary market in April 2022 was Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2007, recording an average price growth of nearly 10% in the month, with the wine trading at record highs this year.
In 2022, the 2008 vintage is the region’s most traded, accounting for 18% of the value in Champagne transacted on Liv-ex YTD to May. Louis Roederer’s Cristal 2008 has been the most traded Champagne this year and delivered some of the highest returns at an average 155% growth since April 2021.
Top 5 performing 2008 vintage Champagnes
| 2008 Champagne | Trade price 31.03.2021 | Trade price April 2022 | Growth % |
1 | Jacques Selosse Millesime | £5,796 | £7,308 | 346% |
2 | Bollinger, Vielles Vignes Francaises | £9,300 | £24,492 | 163% |
3 | Louis Roederer, Cristal | £2,140 | £5,460 | 155% |
4 | Philipponnat Clos des Goisses | £1,836 | £3,246 | 77% |
5 | Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Blanc des Blancs | £1,340 | £2,250 | 68% |
Source: Liv-ex.com, May 2022, all Liv-ex Mid-prices for 12 x 75cl
Larger bottle formats are popular for celebrations and with investors, and 21.5% of the trade in magnums on the secondary market are Champagne.
Now more than ‘a celebratory toast’, Champagne is an important addition to a robust wine investment portfolio. That said, we will all be raising a special glass of fizz to mark the Platinum Jubilee this weekend!
For more information on current performance and investing in Champagne call our expert team on 0203 384 2262.