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10 interesting facts about Dom Perignon

Post author By Leah Vieira Da Cruz
Post date May 12, 2026
No Comments on 10 interesting facts about Dom Perignon

Dom Perignon is the world’s most recognised prestige cuvee, produced exclusively as a vintage wine.
A cornerstone of the LVMH portfolio, Dom Perignon possesses massive global brand equity.
The secondary market for Dom Perignon is highly liquid compared to other wines.

Dom Perignon is more than just Champagne – it is one of the most popular luxury wines in the world. From its origins in the Abbey of Hautvillers to its position today as the flagship prestige cuvee of Moet & Chandon and LVMH, the brand has become synonymous with celebration, craftsmanship, and collectability. Produced exclusively as a vintage wine, Dom Perignon captures the unique identity of each harvest while balancing rarity, longevity, and global appeal. In this guide, we explore ten fascinating facts that explain how Dom Perignon became one of the most influential and investable names in fine wine.

1. The heritage and legend of the Benedictine monk

The history of Dom Perignon is intertwined with the very foundations of the Champagne region. Pierre Perignon was a Benedictine monk who served as cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers in the seventeenth century. While legend often credits him with “inventing” sparkling wine (he didn’t), his true contribution was the refinement of viticultural techniques.

He pioneered the practice of blending grapes from different vineyards to achieve a balanced profile. He also introduced the use of corks and stronger glass bottles to prevent explosions in the cellar. These innovations laid the groundwork for the modern production of luxury sparkling wine.

Key historical milestones for the abbey and the brand:

Pierre Perignon arrived at the Abbey of Hautvillers in 1668.
Moet & Chandon acquired the Dom Perignon brand in the early twentieth century.
The first Dom Perignon vintage was 1921, officially released in 1936.
In the early 2000s, Dom Perignon introduced late-disgorged re-releases under the Oenotheque label, later rebranding as P2 and P3 for even older vintages.
Under Chef de Cave Vincent Chaperon, the house has moved toward releasing wines from almost every harvest, even in very small quantities, as seen with the limited 2017 vintage.

2. The Moet & Chandon partnership

Dom Perignon is produced by Moet & Chandon, which is the largest Champagne house in the world; however, the brand operates with a significant degree of autonomy. While Moet produces millions of bottles of non-vintage Champagne, Dom Perignon is a vintage product only.

This relationship provides the estate with access to some of the best vineyard sites in the region with the brand utilising grapes from the eight historic Grand Crus and the legendary Premier Cru of Hautvillers. This vast choice of fruit allows the winemaking team to maintain a consistent style despite the variations of individual years.

Technical advantages of the Moet connection:

Unrivalled access to high-quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
World-class production facilities and technical expertise.
Global distribution networks that ensure the wine reaches every major market.
A massive library of back vintages kept for the Plenitude programme.
The ability to maintain rigorous selection standards for every release.

3. A star in the LVMH luxury portfolio

Dom Perignon sits as one of the twin Champagne peaks of the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) wine and spirits division. Within this group, Dom Perignon acts as the global ambassador for French luxury and elegance.

Other Champagne brands within the LVMH constellation include:

Moet & Chandon: The largest Champagne house in the world
Veuve Clicquot: Famous for its “Yellow Label”
Krug: LVMH’s other Champagne peak
Ruinart: The oldest established Champagne house in the world since 1729
Mercier: Highly popular within France and known for its vast cellar tunnels in Epernay
Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades): In 2021, LVMH acquired a 50% stake in this brand from Shawn Carter better known as Jay-Z

LVMH has been instrumental in positioning the brand as a lifestyle icon. By linking the wine to fashion, art, and high-end gastronomy, they have expanded its appeal far beyond traditional wine circles. This strategic marketing ensures that demand remains high regardless of broader economic fluctuations.

The LVMH influence on the brand:

High-profile marketing campaigns featuring global celebrities.
Presence in the world’s most exclusive hotels and restaurants.
Strategic partnerships with luxury retailers.
A focus on limited edition bottlings and bespoke packaging.
Synergies with other LVMH brands to create “lifestyle experiences”.

4. Dom Perignon’s commitment to vintage

The most defining characteristic of Dom Perignon is that it is always a vintage wine. Unlike most Champagne houses that rely on a consistent non-vintage blend, Dom Perignon only releases wine from a single harvest. Until very recently if the quality of a year was not sufficient to produce a reasonable quantity of wine, no wine was produced.

This commitment to vintage creates a natural scarcity and ensures that each release is a unique snapshot of a specific time and place. It reflects the weather, the harvest conditions, and the creative vision of the chef de cave and the winemaking team. This variety keeps collectors engaged as they compare different years.

Aspects of the vintage philosophy:

Each vintage must be able to age for at least twenty years.
The blend is always a balanced mix of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The decision to declare a vintage rests solely with the cellar master.

5. The Plenitude concept: Dom Perignon P2 and P3

One of the most innovative aspects of Dom Perignon is the Plenitude programme. The house believes that wine does not age in a linear fashion but is rather a punctuated equilibrium where the wine evolves to specific “plateaus” of maturity and different characteristics come to the fore. These stages are released as P2 (Second Plenitude) and P3 (Third Plenitude).

P2 wines are typically released after fifteen years of age. They offer a surge of energy and a more intense, mineral profile. P3 wines are even rarer, often spending over twenty-five years in the cellar. These bottlings represent the ultimate expression of the wine’s longevity and complexity.

Understanding the Plenitude stages:

P1: The standard vintage release, typically aged for eight to nine years.
P2: The “energy” phase, offering greater precision and length.
P3: The “complexity” phase, showing deep tertiary notes and incredible depth.

These releases can be highly sought after by collectors and investors due to their rarity.

The latest major Dom Perignon Plenitude releases are currently:

Dom Perignon P2 2008 – Widely considered one of the most important recent Champagne releases, due to the legendary status of the 2008 vintage.
Dom Perignon P3 1995 – The third Plénitude of the 1995 vintage after nearly three decades on lees.
Dom Perignon Rosé: A bold expression

The rosé version of Dom Perignon was first created in 1959 and is considered by some the most daring wine in the portfolio. It is not merely a pink version of the standard vintage, but rather a distinct creation that focuses on Pinot Noir. The Dom Perignon rosé is typically released much later than Dom Perignon.

The house uses a significant proportion of red wine in the blend to achieve its characteristic copper hue and structural intensity. For many connoisseurs, the rosé represents the pinnacle of the house’s winemaking skill.

Hallmarks of the rosé include:

Intense aromas of wild strawberries, smoke, and spices.
A structured palate with fine tannins and vibrant acidity.
Strong food-pairing potential due to its weight and depth.
Limited production levels that drive high secondary market prices.
A reputation for being one of the longest-lived pink Champagnes.

1990, 1996, 2002 and 2008 are generally considered the strongest vintages. 2010 is the most recent release.

7. What does Dom Perignon taste like?

The typical tasting profile of Dom Perignon is defined by balance and tension. It is a wine that manages to be both opulent and precise at the same time. While it has the creamy texture associated with high-quality Champagne, it is always underpinned by a firm mineral backbone.

Common descriptors for young Dom Perignon include citrus, white flowers, and brioche. As the wine ages, it develops more complex notes of toasted nuts, honey, and dried fruits. The finish is famously long, often leaving a salty, mineral sensation that is characteristic of the region’s chalky soils.

Structural elements of the wine:

A seamless integration of fruit and acidity.
A silky mousse with very fine bubbles.
Subtle smoky or reductive notes that add complexity.
A mid-palate that is rich but never heavy.
The ability to evolve gracefully for several decades in a professional cellar.

8. Dom Perignon artistic collaborations

Dom Perignon has a long history of collaborating with world-renowned artists and musicians. These partnerships often result in limited edition labels and ornate gift boxes that help to bridge the gap between fine wine and contemporary culture.

From Andy Warhol to Jeff Koons, and more recently Lady Gaga, these projects bring a fresh perspective to the brand. They often explore the themes of creativity and transformation that are central to the winemaking process.

For investors, these limited editions often command a premium over the standard labels; however, their limited edition nature and price premium can limit their liquidity, and only a few have shown themselves to be better investments than the standard bottles.

Notable artistic partnerships:

Andy Warhol: A colourful series of labels inspired by the artist’s pop art style.
Karl Lagerfeld: Several iconic advertising campaigns and bespoke bottle designs.
Iris van Herpen: A sculptural gift box that explored the concept of metamorphosis.
Lenny Kravitz: A collaboration that included a hammered metal label and a bespoke table.
Lady Gaga: A series of limited editions that celebrated the power of creative freedom.

9. Legacy vintages and record prices

Certain years have achieved legendary status among collectors. Vintages like the 1961, 1966, and 1990 are frequently cited as the benchmarks for quality. These wines have shown incredible resilience and continue to drink beautifully many decades after their harvest.

In the auction room, rare bottles of Dom Perignon frequently reach record prices. This is particularly true for older vintages in original packaging or rare formats like Magnums and Jeroboams. The 1959 Rose and the 1921 vintage are among the most expensive bottles ever sold, reflecting their historical importance.

Significant vintages for investors:

1990: A classic year with incredible richness and balance.
1996: Celebrated for its high acidity and long-term potential.
2002: A powerful vintage now entering its prime drinking window.
2008: One of the most hyped and high-scoring years in recent history.
1959 (Rosé): The inaugural rosé vintage.

10. Dom Perignon investment performance

Dom Perignon is one of the most liquid assets in the fine wine market. There is always a buyer for well-stored bottles because of the brand’s global recognisability. It acts as a reliable entry point for those beginning a wine portfolio, while remaining a staple for seasoned investors.

Dom Perignon’s dynamic changed post-Covid with a significant rise in prices. Prior to that, the brand had shown steady capital appreciation over the long term. Its performance is often used as a bellwether for the overall health of the Champagne market.

Key investment takeaways:

High global demand ensures quick resale on major exchanges.
Consistent critical scores provide confidence for long-term holding.
The brand serves as a strong diversifier within a multi-region portfolio.
Professional storage is essential to maintain the wine’s secondary market value.

FAQ: Dom Perignon

Why is Dom Perignon only made in vintage years?

The house believes in representing the unique character of a single harvest, anchoring its brand to the concept of vintage champagne.

What is the difference between P1, P2, and P3?

These represent different “Plenitudes” or stages of maturity, with P2 and P3 spending significantly more time ageing in bottle on the lees before release.

Is Dom Perignon a good investment for beginners?

Yes, because of its high brand recognition and market liquidity, it is considered one of the most stable entry points for wine investment.

How long can I cellar a bottle of Dom Perignon?

Most vintages are built to last for twenty to forty years, while the P2 and P3 releases can evolve for even longer.

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.

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Champagne vs. Prosecco vs. Cava vs. English bubbles: Which sparkling wine should you buy?

Post author By admin
Post date April 2, 2026
No Comments on Champagne vs. Prosecco vs. Cava vs. English bubbles: Which sparkling wine should you buy?

In the vast world of sparkling wine, Champagne remains the global benchmark for both quality and prestige.
The production method creates a divide: Champagne, Cava, and most English sparkling wine use the bottle-fermented “traditional method,” while Prosecco relies on the faster “tank method.”
From a financial perspective, Champagne is the only truly investable sparkling wine on the secondary market.

Sparkling wine, fit for any celebration, is more than just a drink for a toast. It is a vast category defined by geography, history, and chemistry. While most people recognise the pop of a cork, the liquid inside that bottle can vary wildly depending on where the grapes have been grown and how it was made.

To understand the difference between Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and English sparkling wine we have to look at what happens inside the cellar. While they all have bubbles, the way those bubbles are created changes the flavour, the texture, the price tag and the investment reality.

The traditional method: Champagne, Cava and English fizz

Champagne, Cava, and English sparkling wine are all made using the “traditional method.” This is the most expensive and time-consuming way to make wine.

First, the winemaker creates a still dry wine.
Then, they put it into a bottle with a little bit of sugar and yeast and seal it with a crown cap like you’d find on a bottle of beer.
A second fermentation happens inside that specific bottle. Because the carbon dioxide cannot escape, it dissolves into the wine, creating the sparkle.

The final stage has the wine sitting on the lees: the dead yeast cells. Over months or years, these cells break down and give the wine flavours of toasted bread, brioche, and nuts. This is what experts call “autolytic” character. It is the reason why a glass of Champagne often smells like a bakery, while a Prosecco smells like a fruit basket.

Champagne: The undisputed king

Champagne is a specific region in northern France. If a sparkling wine is not from there, it is not Champagne. The region is famous for its white, chalky soil. This soil acts like a sponge, holding water but also reflecting sunlight back up to the vines.

The major grapes here are:

Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Pinot Meunier

Four other varieties are also permitted but rarely used:

Pinot Blanc
Pinot Gris
Arbane
Pinot Meslier

This combination creates a wine with incredible structure and high acidity. This acidity is the backbone that allows the wine to age for decades.

Indeed, its ageability, decades long reputation and high quality make Champagne one of the most prominent investment players on the secondary market for fine wine. Still, there is a catch.

Most non-vintage (NV) bottles, which are the standard blends houses produce every year, do not necessarily increase in value. With very few exceptions, only vintage Champagne is investable. These are wines made from grapes harvested in a single year. They are produced in smaller quantities and are built to last.

Vintage Champagnes are the primary targets for collectors and investors looking for a return.

Looking for more? Read our Champagne Regional Report.

English sparkling wine: The rising star

The story of English sparkling wine is one of geology and changing climates. The same chalk seam that runs through Champagne actually dips under the English Channel and pops up again in the South of England.

Counties like Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire have soil that is nearly identical to the best plots in France. As the climate has warmed, these regions have become perfect for growing the same three grapes used in Champagne.

Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Pinot Meurnier

The style of English sparkling wine is often very lean and crisp. It has a piercing acidity that makes it incredibly refreshing. While the quality is now world class, the market is still catching up.

Search data on Wine-Searcher shows that the most popular English sparkling wines are currently sitting just inside the top 5000 most searched for wines. Interest is growing, but it is still a long way from the global dominance of the famous French houses.

Cava: Spain’s traditional bubble

Cava is Spain’s answer to Champagne. Most of it comes from the Penedès region in Catalonia. While it uses the same traditional method as Champagne, the flavours are different because the grapes are different.

The traditional Cava blend uses:

Macabeo
Xarel-lo
Parellada

These indigenous Spanish grapes often produce wines that are a bit more earthy or floral. They generally have lower acidity than Champagne or English sparkling wine, which makes them feel softer in the mouth.

Despite its long history, Cava struggles on the secondary market. It is often viewed as a value-for-money option rather than a luxury collectible. This is reflected in its search rankings: even the most famous Cavas usually sit outside the top 3000 most searched for wines globally. For an investor, Cava currently lacks the secondary market activity needed to be a viable asset.

The Charmat method: Prosecco

Prosecco is a completely different beast. It comes from the Veneto and Friuli regions of Italy and is made using the “tank method” (also known as the Charmat method).

Instead of the second fermentation happening in a bottle, it happens in a large stainless steel tank. This is much faster and cheaper. The goal here is not to create bread-like flavours from yeast, but to keep the wine tasting like fresh fruit.

Glera must make up 85% of the blend with the rest consisting of:

Verdiso
Bianchetta Trevigiana
Perera
Glera Lunga
Chardonnay
Pinot Bianco
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Noir

The Glera grape used in Prosecco is naturally aromatic. It smells of white peach, pear, and honeydew melon. Because it does not spend long on the yeast, the bubbles are often bigger and frothier.

Prosecco is designed to be drunk fresh. It does not improve with age. Because of this, it has almost no presence in the investment world. Like Cava, the most popular Proseccos are found outside the top 3000 most searched for wines. It is a wine for the moment, not for the cellar.

Investing in sparkling wine: a guide

The difference in investment potential between these regions is striking. While you can find a delicious bottle of sparkling wine from any of these four places, the financial world only really cares about one.

Secondary market activity is the engine that drives wine investment. This involves collectors buying and selling bottles through auction houses or private exchanges. This activity requires three main things:

Brand power: A name that people all over the world recognise and want.
Scarcity: A limited supply that cannot meet the high demand.
Longevity: A wine that will actually taste better (and be worth more) in time.

Champagne, specifically Vintage Champagne and “Prestige Cuvées” like Dom Pérignon or Krug, checks all three boxes. English sparkling wine is building the brand power, but it lacks the historical track record and data about its aging potential that investors crave. Cava and Prosecco, meanwhile, are produced in such high volumes that scarcity is rarely an issue, which prevents prices from climbing on the secondary market.

Other sparkling wine regions

The world of bubbles does not end with these four. Other regions are also making their mark, though they face similar hurdles regarding investment.

Franciacorta: Italy’s premium sparkling wine made in the traditional method. It uses Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, often resulting in a richer, riper style than Champagne.
Crémant: These are French sparkling wines made outside of Champagne. Crémant de Bourgogne (Burgundy) and Crémant d’Alsace are excellent value alternatives that use the traditional method.
Tasmania: Australia’s cool-climate island is producing some of the most exciting New World bubbles, characterised by high acidity and elegance.
California: Areas like the Anderson Valley produce powerful sparkling wines that often show more ripe fruit and oak influence than their European cousins.

While these wines are fantastic for enthusiasts, they currently exist outside the scope of “investment grade” wine. They are brilliant additions to a dinner party, but they are not yet staples of a financial portfolio.

Sparkling wine style: texture and taste

When you are choosing a bottle, the “mousse” or the feel of the bubbles is a great way to tell them apart.

Traditional method wines (Champagne, English, Cava) usually have very fine, tiny bubbles that tingle on the tongue. This is because the carbon dioxide has had a long time to integrate with the liquid during its years in the bottle.

Tank method wines (Prosecco) have larger, more lively bubbles. They feel more “fizzy” and can sometimes be a bit more aggressive. This is why Prosecco is so popular in cocktails like the Aperol Spritz: the bubbles are strong enough to stand up to other ingredients.

Whether you are looking for a bottle to open tonight or one to keep for a decade, the differences between these four regions are significant.

Champagne remains the gold standard and is the only choice for those looking at sparkling wine as an asset.

English sparkling wine is the exciting newcomer, offering a taste of what Champagne used to be before the impact of climate change: high-acid, lean, and intensely fresh. Cava provides a wonderful, earthy alternative for those who love the traditional method but want a different flavour profile. Finally, Prosecco remains the ultimate choice for accessible, fruity fun.

By understanding the production methods and the market data, you can navigate the wine aisle with much more confidence. The world of sparkling wine is diverse, and while only a small slice of it is “investable,” every region offers something unique for the palate.

A guide to Burgundy wine regions

Post author By Emma
Post date January 28, 2025
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Burgundy is one of the world’s most revered and historically significant wine regions. For centuries, it has captivated collectors and wine lovers with its ability to express terroir more precisely than almost anywhere else on earth. Understanding the regions in Burgundy is essential to understanding why it produces some of the most sought-after fine wines in the world.

Unlike larger wine regions defined by broad styles or dominant producers, Burgundy is a mosaic of tiny appellations, historic villages, and meticulously delineated vineyard parcels. Here, value, quality, and reputation are shaped not by château names, but by vineyard location, soil composition, and microclimate. This is a region where a few metres of land can dramatically change a wine’s character – and its price.

At the heart of Burgundy’s complexity lies its regional structure. While thousands of climats and individual vineyards exist, the region is fundamentally organised into five core Burgundy wine regions, each contributing something distinct to Burgundy’s identity. From the cool, mineral-driven whites of Chablis to the warmer, expressive wines of the Mâconnais, these regions together form one of the most intricate wine landscapes in the world.

Regions in Burgundy: structure

Geographically, Burgundy forms a long, narrow corridor of vineyards running from north to south through eastern France. It is divided into four contiguous regions and one satellite region, each with its own climate, soils, and stylistic identity.

Although Beaujolais is sometimes associated with Burgundy through tradition and grape variety, administratively it belongs to the Rhône and is not considered part of Burgundy’s official wine regions.

Burgundy’s vineyard area totals approximately 30,000 hectares, with more than 80% classified under the AOC system. Despite producing only around a quarter of Bordeaux’s volume, Burgundy’s influence on the fine wine market is disproportionately large. Its emphasis on scarcity, site specificity, and classification has made it a benchmark for quality worldwide.

Chablis (Satellite)

Located just two hours southeast of Paris, Chablis is Burgundy’s northernmost outpost and one of the world’s great sources of white wine. Unlike the rest of Burgundy, Chablis sits geographically apart from the Côte d’Or, forming a satellite region with a distinct climate and geological identity.

Chablis produces wines exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, yet its style is markedly different from the richer whites of the south. This is largely due to its Kimmeridgian limestone soils, formed from an ancient seabed rich in fossilised marine life.

Characteristics of Chablis wines

Chablis wines are renowned for their:

purity and tension
minimal oak influence
pronounced chalky minerality
long ageing potential at Premier Cru and Grand Cru levels

Cool continental temperatures preserve acidity, giving Chablis its linear structure and precise expression.

Appellations of Chablis

Chablis is divided into four hierarchical appellations:

Petit Chablis
Chablis
Chablis Premier Cru
Chablis Grand Cru

The Grand Cru vineyards – just seven climats clustered along the Serein River – represent one of Burgundy’s smallest and most prestigious fine wine zones. Premier Cru sites such as Vaillons, Montmains, Fourchaume and Vaulorent also play a crucial role in defining Chablis’ quality hierarchy.

Côte de Nuits: the heart of Pinot Noir

The Côte de Nuits forms the northern half of the Côte d’Or and is widely regarded as the spiritual home of the world’s greatest Pinot Noir. This narrow strip of east-facing limestone slopes produces some of the most expensive and sought-after red wines on earth.

Key villages include Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey Saint-Denis, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The region is also home to the most iconic Burgundy estate of all: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Monastic origins and vineyard classification

Viticulture in the Côte de Nuits dates back to Roman times, but it was Benedictine and Cistercian monks who laid the foundations of Burgundy’s modern vineyard system during the Middle Ages. Through centuries of observation, they identified which vineyard parcels consistently produced superior wines, giving rise to the concept of climats and, eventually, grand cru vineyards.

Côte de Nuits Grand Crus

Some of the world’s most revered grand crus are located here, including:

Chambertin
Clos Saint-Denis
Clos de Vougeot
Échézeaux
Richebourg
Romanée-Conti
La Tâche

These wines command extraordinary prices due to their rarity, tiny production levels, and global demand. Even in weaker market cycles, Côte de Nuits grand crus remain among the most liquid assets in fine wine.

The Côte de Nuits forms the northern half of the Côte d’Or and is the spiritual home of the world’s greatest Pinot Noir. This narrow strip of hillside produces some of Burgundy’s most celebrated bottles – home to legendary appellations like Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey Saint-Denis, Vosne-Romanée, and the most iconic estate of all, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Côte de Beaune: elegance, balance and great white wines

The Côte de Beaune forms the southern half of the Côte d’Or and is centred around the historic town of Beaune, the commercial heart of Burgundy. This region is unique in producing both exceptional red and white wines, with a stronger emphasis on Chardonnay than its northern neighbour.

A region of diversity

Before the introduction of the AOC system in 1936, wines from this area were broadly referred to as “Beaune wines.” Today, the Côte de Beaune encompasses a complex patchwork of villages, Premier Cru climats, and celebrated grand cru sites.

Iconic appellations include Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault, and Aloxe-Corton. White wines from grand cru vineyards such as Corton-Charlemagne and Montrachet are widely considered among the finest Chardonnay expressions in the world.

The Côte de Beaune contains more than 40 Premier Cru climats, producing wines prized for their balance, structure, and ageing potential.

Côte Chalonnaise: value and tradition

Situated south of the Côte de Beaune, the Côte Chalonnaise is often overlooked yet it plays a vital role in Burgundy’s ecosystem. The region produces high-quality wines from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Aligoté, often at more accessible price points than the Côte d’Or.

Notable appellations of the Côte Chalonnaise

Key villages include:

Mercurey
Givry
Rully
Montagny

These appellations offer excellent value while maintaining Burgundian character. Historically, the Côte Chalonnaise also played a key role in the development of Crémant de Bourgogne, with early sparkling wine production centred around Rully and Mercurey.

Mâcconais: warmth, fruit and approachability

The Mâconnais is Burgundy’s southernmost wine region, defined by rolling hills, warmer temperatures, and dramatic limestone formations. Monastic orders, particularly the Abbey of Cluny, were instrumental in establishing viticulture here as early as the 10th century.

Wine styles and grape varieties

Around 80% of vineyards are planted to Chardonnay, producing wines that are generally riper and more fruit-forward than those of northern Burgundy. The region also grows Gamay and smaller amounts of Pinot Noir.

Notable regional appellations include:

Pouilly-Fuissé
Pouilly-Vinzelles
Saint-Véran
Viré-Clessé

These wines consistently offer strong quality and value, making the Mâconnais an increasingly important region for collectors seeking Burgundy character without Côte d’Or pricing.

Final thoughts on Burgundy wine regions

Burgundy’s complexity is not a barrier – it is its greatest strength. From the steely minerality of Chablis to the haunting depth of Vosne-Romanée and the crystalline precision of Puligny-Montrachet, each region offers its own interpretation of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Together, these Burgundy wine regions form one of the most intellectually rewarding and historically rich wine landscapes in the world. Defined by centuries of observation, monastic influence, and an unparalleled focus on terroir, Burgundy continues to set the global benchmark for fine wine – captivating collectors, investors, and wine lovers alike.

Looking for more? Read our Burgundy Regional Report, which delves into the fundamentals of this fascinating region and the development of its investment market.

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The best of Dom Pérignon: top vintages and investment opportunities

Post author By admin
Post date July 2, 2024
No Comments on The best of Dom Pérignon: top vintages and investment opportunities

Dom Pérignon is one of the most popular wine brands in the world, resonating with drinkers, collectors and investors.
This week saw the latest Dom Pérignon vintage release – the 2015.
Dom Pérignon prices have risen on average 90% in the last decade.

Dom Pérignon is one of the most popular wine brands in the world. It consistently ranks in Wine-Searcher’s top five most searched-for wines, and its label resonates with drinkers, collectors and investors alike.

Latest vintage release: Dom Pérignon 2015

This week saw the latest vintage release from the renowned Champagne house – Dom Pérignon 2015, with a recommended retail price of £1,750 per 12×75 case. The wine boasts 96 points from Antonio Galloni (Vinous) who said that it ‘shows terrific energy’ and ‘is a fine showing in a vintage that has proven to be tricky’.

Brief history of Dom Pérignon

Dom Pérignon is named after a Benedictine monk, Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638–1715). As a cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers in the Champagne region of France, he significantly contributed to the quality and production methods of Champagne, such as blending grapes from different vineyards and improving clarity. Moët & Chandon introduced the Dom Pérignon brand as its prestige cuvée in the 20th century, with the first vintage released in 1921. Since then, the wine has become synonymous with luxury and celebration.

Dom Pérignon investment performance

Dom Pérignon has been one of the most popular Champagne brands for investment for a reason. On average, prices have risen 90% over the last decade. The Dom Pérignon index hit an all-time high in November 2022 (up 136% since June 2014). Prices have since come off their peak making now an opportune time to buy, given the overall upward trend.

The average Dom Pérignon price per case is £2,260, making it more affordable than other popular investment-grade Champagnes like Krug, Louis Roederer Cristal, Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill, Bollinger RD and Philipponnat Clos des Goisses, all the while providing similar returns.

The highest-scoring Dom Pérignon vintages

The highest-scoring Dom Pérignon vintage from Galloni is the 2008 (98+), which he describes as ‘magnificent’ and a ‘Champagne that plays in three dimensions’.

The 2004 (‘one of my favourite Dom Pérignons’) and 2002 (‘speaks to opulence and intensity’) boast 98-points from the critic. Up next with 97-points is 2012, which he called ‘a dynamic Champagne endowed with tremendous character’, and the ‘beautifully balanced, harmonious’ 2006.

From Wine Advocate, the top-scoring Dom Pérignon vintages include 1996 (98 pts), 1961 (97 pts), and several vintages scoring 96 points, such as 2008, 2002, 2006, 1976, 1990, 1982, and 2012.

The best value Dom Pérignon on the market today

The 2004 and 2012 Dom Pérignon vintages are two of the most popular, not least because they offer great value in the context of other vintages. They are two of the most affordable on the market today, while also boasting high scores. The 2004 further benefits from additional time in bottle; however, these earlier vintages are often harder to source than the new releases.

Regardless of the vintage of choice, and whether for investment or collecting, Dom Pérignon remains the pinnacle of the Champagne world. Its strong branding, outstanding quality and investment performance make it a top choice for wine enthusiasts and investors alike.

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