For those who truly love and appreciate good champagne, Veuve Clicquot has brought together 12 rare vintage magnums in an extraordinary limited-edition ‘wine cellar’, created by the Porsche Design Studio. The towering steel monolith, known as the Vertical Limit, is over two metres tall and only 15 have been made.

Within the Vertical Limit, the 12 bottles are stored at a constant temperature of 12 degrees Celsius: the exact temperature of the Veuve Clicquot cellar in Reims. When it is time for the champagne to be drunk, the beautifully engineered column opens, fan-like, to reveal each bottle in its own compartment.



As to the champagnes themselves, the earliest originates from the year 1955, when it was served to celebrate the engagement of the Prince and Princess of Holland. We’re told that the Vintage Reserve 1955 was also very much appreciated by the Maharajah and the Maharani of Jaipur and highly prized by Charles de Gaulle. Other vintages include 1959, 1961, 1962, 1975, 1982, 1985, 1988 and 1990. Meanwhile, there are three rosé champagnes in the collection, from 1969, 1979 and 1989.

The cost of the Vertical Limit steel sculpture, complete with its 12 magnums of champagne, is 50,000 euros. See www.veuveclicquot.com.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: VC