Excellent champagne found at the bottom of the sea

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In summary, a group of divers outside the Finnish island group Åland discovered a cache of 30 corked bottles of champagne estimated to be from the 1780s. The champagne was intended as a gift from Louis XVI to the Russian czar but never arrived. The taste was described as fantastic, with a very sweet flavor and hints of tobacco and oak. Each bottle is valued at around $70,000. The divers were surprised that the salt water did not seep into the bottles, and wondered if they were wax sealed. It was noted that sea water tasted better back then without oil spills. There were questions about salvage rights and the possibility of pressure inside the bottles keeping the champagne fizzy and uncontaminated.
  • #1
arildno
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Divers outside the Finnish island group Åland have discovered a cache of 30 corked bottles of champagne; their likely date is the 1780s, when such a gift from Louis XVI to the russian czar was sent, but never arrived.

As for the taste?
""It tasted fantastic. It was a very sweet champagne, with a tobacco taste and oak,""

Each bottle is estimated to be valued at about $70.000 or so..
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100717/ap_on_re_eu/eu_sweden_champagne_find
 
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  • #2
I'm surprised that the salt water didn't seep into them. Were bottles wax sealed back then?
 
  • #3
Evo said:
I'm surprised that the salt water didn't seep into them. Were bottles wax sealed back then?
Sea water tasted much better then, since you didn't have oil spills. :smile:
 
  • #4
So does France, Russia or Finland get the salvage rights here, and which of the divers gets stuck with the bill for the bottle they opened?
 
  • #5
Evo said:
I'm surprised that the salt water didn't seep into them. Were bottles wax sealed back then?

Wouldn't that be a likely quality security measure, in order to keep the sparkle in the champagne?
 
  • #6
Someone needs to compare pressure inside a champagne bottle with pressure at whatever depth they found this cache at. Bet they're not far off if the champagne has kept its fizz and not been contaminated with water. Good job!
 

What is the story behind the excellent champagne found at the bottom of the sea?

The story behind the champagne found at the bottom of the sea is that it was part of a shipwreck that occurred over a hundred years ago. The bottles were preserved in the cold, dark conditions of the sea and were recently discovered by a team of divers.

How was the champagne preserved for so long at the bottom of the sea?

The champagne was preserved due to the low temperature and lack of light at the bottom of the sea. The high pressure also played a role in preserving the champagne, as it prevented oxygen from entering the bottles and causing them to spoil.

Is the champagne still safe to drink after being underwater for so long?

Although the champagne has been underwater for over a century, it is still safe to drink. The cold and dark conditions of the sea prevented any bacteria from growing in the bottles, making the champagne safe for consumption.

What makes this champagne different from other aged champagnes?

The unique aspect of this champagne is that it has been aged underwater, which has given it a distinct flavor and texture. The sea has also added a touch of salinity to the champagne, making it different from traditional aged champagnes.

How can I taste this excellent champagne found at the bottom of the sea?

The champagne found at the bottom of the sea is highly sought after and limited in quantity. However, some bottles have been retrieved and are available for purchase at select auctions and specialty stores. Keep an eye out for any future opportunities to taste this rare and unique champagne.

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