Super expensive champagnes to pop during the holidays

Lily Bollinger, of the House of Bollinger Champagne, once famously said, “I drink Champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it — unless I’m thirsty.”

Over the centuries, kings, queens, concubines, and generals have followed suit and coveted champagne for its luxury, style, and taste.

This passion for bubbly has never waned and today’s rich and famous have made it their drink of choice when nothing but the best will do. That being the case, they are willing to pay exorbitant sums for the pleasure of a glass or two. Unlike non-vintage (and quite a few vintage) Champagnes whose prices reflect market share and quality, the cost of the most expensive Champagnes is influenced equally by rarity as well as quality; the fewer the bottles made, the higher the price.

The bubbly drink has always been associated with festive occasions– especially around the holidays.

Here are some of the world’s most expensive Champagnes — maybe the most expensive ones — ready to be put on your ice-bucket list, arranged by price from “low” to high.

1. Goût de Diamants, 19-Carat Bottle – $1.8 million

While the brut-style blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grapes offers a floral, refreshing, and creamy taste, it’s what’s on the outside of the bottle that made this wine so pricey. For this client, the bottle sported an 18-carat solid white gold label inset with a flawless 19-carat white diamond.