A Century-Old Vintage Treasure: Rare Collector's Case of Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 1911 to be Auctioned to Benefit The Lunchbox Fund

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Moet & Chandon is pleased to announce the auction of a century-old treasure, a case of the legendary champagne house's Grand Vintage Collection 1911 champagne, an exceptional charitable opportunity at the upcoming Fine & Rare Wines sale at Christie's Rockefeller Center, at 10am on November 19, 2011.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111117/NY09176 )

All proceeds from sale of the exclusive collector's case of six 750ml bottles of the legendary Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 1911 will benefit The Lunchbox Fund, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished and at-risk students in South African township high schools. The lot is estimated to realize $30,000 – $50,000 and similar auctions, to benefit other philanthropic organizations, are taking place in 10 other cities around the world.

Even at the time of its harvest a century ago, the 1911 vintage was recognized then as memorable by the chef de cave of Moet & Chandon. Presented in a luxurious black leather chest with elegant brass fittings, this extraordinary champagne has been conserved under optimum aging conditions in the chateau's cellars, and the bottles were disgorged only in early 2011 to ensure a vintage wine of uncommon excellence.  

The successful bidder for the case will be invited with a guest to a special dinner hosted by award winning Chef Mario Batali, to celebrate the auction, at one of his signature New York restaurants, with accompanying vintage champagnes selected by Moet & Chandon chef de cave Benoit Gouez, including a bottle of this rare 1911 vintage. Mario Batali is a board member and one of several well-known ambassadors of The Lunchbox Fund, which was established by philanthropist Topaz Page-Green and enjoys the support of Gwyneth Paltrow, Salman Rushdie, Joaquin Phoenix, Jim Dine, Francesco Clemente and Michael Stipe among many others.

Founder Topaz Page-Green says, "It is inspiring to partner with Moet & Chandon and Christie's on something as rare and luxurious as 100 year old champagne, and see it simultaneously transformed into something that helps to meet the basic needs of those supported by The Lunchbox Fund."

Gwyneth Paltrow comments, "As someone who is passionate about food and wine, I am thrilled to be supporting, alongside my friend Mario Batali, Moet & Chandon's generous efforts to raise money through the auction of a rare case of Grand Vintage 1911 champagne, for a charity as important as The Lunchbox Fund. As a mother, there is nothing dearer to my heart than ensuring all children receive exactly what The Lunchbox Fund's essential work ensures – a nutritious meal and an education."

Tom Stevenson, the world's foremost expert on champagne, has the highest praise for Grand Vintage Collection 1911, stating, "Although a champagne of this age would usually be a copper brown, Grand Vintage Collection 1911 is a beautiful pale yellow gold. The nose is still floral and fruity and after a century, it's still bubbly on the palate! Grand Vintage Collection 1911 is a superb vintage champagne, both elegantly mature and deliciously lively!"

For more details and images of this special lot, view our free e-catalogue at:

http://www.christies.com/eCatalogues/index.aspx?id=9505E71DD6D8FAE9852578A30045FB71

To participate in advance bidding for the Moet & Chandon 1911 Grand Vintage LOT, please visit:  http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/searchresults.aspx?hdnSaleID=23091&LN=128

About Moet & Chandon

As the world's leading champagne House, Moet & Chandon takes an innovative approach to sharing magic and celebration with the world.  Since its founding days in 1743 by Claude Moet, the House has taken daring steps and created new celebratory traditions, including sabering, the champagne fountain and vessel christenings.   Moet is often cited as the world's first international luxury brand, given Jean-Remy Moet's expansion to international markets from the late 1700s.  With the largest vineyard holdings in the Champagne region, Moet creates the world's most-loved champagne from the very best grapes and terroir that the region has to offer. For more than two centuries the House has celebrated accomplishment and charismatic appeal with glamour, grandeur and generosity. Renowned for achievements, firsts and a pioneering spirit, the House celebrates life's most triumphant moments with elegance and extraversion. From Napoleon's conquests and iconic royal weddings to the Oscars and Golden Globes of Hollywood and the red carpets of international film festivals, Moet & Chandon is the champagne of choice. Like the House's celebrity ambassadors and connoisseurs, with their outgoing personalities and effervescent charisma, Moet evokes grandeur and generosity as it dazzles and fascinates. The House's big, bold heritage and larger-than-life events reflect a deep commitment to sharing with the community, long-term responsibility to nature and bringing people together with warm hospitality.

SOURCE Moet & Chandon