Champagne has been a top-performing region, with the Champagne 50 achieving 50.2% over five years (to March 2024) on Liv-ex. The names leading the way include Bollinger, Cristal, Dom Perignon and Krug.

Champagne has emerged as an increasingly compelling investment. The broader appeal of Champagne and other investment-grade wines lies in their non-corollary nature. Wine markets largely operate independently from traditional equity and bond markets so diversification into this asset class can provide a hedge against volatility for portfolios. For example, during 2020 and the pandemic, investment-grade Champagne prices were relatively unscathed relative to the stock market.

There is also a potential hedge for economic conditions outside of public market volatility. Champagne’s performance is led by high-profile names such as Krug or Bollinger. The high-priced nature of these wines offers some protection against broad economic uncertainty given that the pockets of the consumer base capable of paying for these levels of Champagne are a little more insulated.

It’s also important to note the successful positioning of champagne as more than just wine, but as a luxury good. Major players in fashion and luxury also own some of the most prestigious champagne houses. Their marketing leverage is being used to great effect as global demand, secondary market activity, and prices are following accordingly.

Focus on Bollinger

Rare, expensive Champagnes have always piqued the interest of wine collectors. Leading from the front are the stunning wines from the Bollinger Champagne House – not only because it’s an iconic Champagne brand and James Bond’s favourite glass of bubbly, but also because old and rare wines were uncovered in the basement of the house in 2010 – 600 magnum bottles that pre-date the Second World War, with a few from 1830. 

There have been some great historical returns for Bollinger. Over the past five years, according to Liv-ex, the last five vintages of R.D. that have been on the market for at least five years (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004) have delivered an average return of 91.4 % – almost doubling in just five years.

Bollinger is particularly famous for the vintage Champagne Grande Année, the single vineyard Champagne V.V.F (Vieilles Vignes Francaises) and the exclusive late disgorged prestige cuvée Bollinger R.D. (Récemment Dégorgé). The R.D. is a little more unique as it is only produced from the very best vintages – as such it has only been released 26 times since 1952.

La Grande Année

Formerly known as ‘Bollinger Vintage’, La Grande Année is the house’s prestige Champagne, only produced when the harvest reaches perfection. It offers aromas of toasted bread and brandied fruit, notes of exotic spices and rhubarb and has remarkable structure and length.

Vieilles Vignes Francaises

Made from vines grown the traditional way, following the ‘provignage’ method and worked by hand, this wine is produced in extremely small quantities and offers the intense characteristics of very mature vintages, with a round, creamy feel and saline, mineral finish.

Bollinger R.D.

Featured as James Bond’s favourite Champagne, the R.D. offers aromas of ripe fruit, cocoa and nutmeg with a powerful but well-balanced palate and mineral finish, all enhanced by its exceptionally long maturation.

The information provided here is not investment, tax or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.