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French Uncork World's Oldest Champagne

Critics don't agree about 184-year-old vintage

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2009 12:39 PM CDT

(Newser) – In honor of its "liquid history," the French champagne house Perrier-Jouët uncorked a bottle of the world's oldest vintage: an 1825 that went straight to critics' heads. "There were flavours of mushrooms, woods and a bit of honey," said one, while another detected "mince pie at Christmas time," reports the Times of London.

The official description comes from Oliver Cavil, the head of the cellar: “Although there was only a hint of bubbles left it was perfectly fresh, the color was fine and it resembled a very great chablis, with a note of white truffles and chocolate." But don't expect to taste for yourself: the other two bottles of 1825 will stay sealed "for the near future."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

A woman holds a bottle of limited-edition deluxe Perrier-Jouet Champagne in Paris, Thursday March 20, 2008. None is quite as delux as the 1825 vintage, however. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Perrier-Jouet recommends champagne for toasting on holidays, especially Valentine's Day. Don't expect to get one of the two remaining 1825 bottles, though. (PRNewsFoto/Perrier-Jouet)

Perrier-Jouet is the champagne house of choice for many swank parties. It can't hurt that it boasts the oldest bottle of bubbly in the world. (Getty Images)

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It is very difficult to be objective when you are submerged in emotions and this was a very emotional occasion indeed. - Olivier Cavil of Perrier-Jouët

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French Uncork World's Oldest Champagne