The Champagne market, viewed through the lens of international auctions on iDealwine, continues to serve as a privileged barometer for understanding the evolution of global demand for one of the most prominent collectible wines. In 2024, the region ranked fourth in value and fifth in volume, with a +38% increase in auctioned volumes: over 12,600 bottles sold, accounting for 5.6% of the total turnover from sales on the French platform. These figures confirm the enduring appeal of the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine, despite a broader context marked by a slowdown in shipments.
The Power of the Signature
2024 marked a strong comeback for the major Maisons: 13 prominent labels returned to the ranking of the 20 most sought-after Champagnes, reflecting renewed confidence from international collectors in historic brands. It’s no surprise, then, to see Dom Pérignon in second place, with prices remaining stable despite a drop in volume for this icon (-18%), or the rise of Louis Roederer, which climbed to third place (+61% in volume), driven by the success of its Cristal cuvée. Also shining is Salon, which secured fourth place with just 111 bottles sold, thanks to an average price exceeding €1,100.
The LVMH group confirmed its strength, with five labels in the Top 20: Dom Pérignon, Krug, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, and Moët & Chandon. Yet none of the most widely known Maisons topped the list. Instead, it was a Vigneron: Anselme Selosse reaffirmed his status as the ultimate reference in artisanal Champagne.
2024’s Surprises in iDealwine Auctions
Among the surprises of 2024 was the strong momentum of Bollinger, with volumes up 29% and a spot in the Top 20. Few changes occurred among the seven Vignerons in the ranking, most of whom were already present the previous year. Selosse remained at the top, Cédric Bouchard held sixth place, and Pierre Péters saw a significant volume increase: +58% with 110 bottles sold. Also noteworthy was the entry of Marie-Noëlle Ledru, with 150 bottles sold in 2024—a remarkable result for niche labels, thanks to her renowned Pinot Noirs from Ambonnay, as she begins to retire from winemaking.
There is growing interest in Vignerons with original and identity-driven production approaches, as evidenced by the presence of Ulysse Collin and Romain Hénin in the Top 20, and the high-profile positions now held by Emmanuel Brochet, Aurélien Lurquin, Jérôme Prévost – La Closerie, Jérôme Savart, and Élise Bougy.
Prices Stabilizing, Iconic Vintages
While 2023 was a record-breaking year, 2024 saw price stabilization: rare labels still fetched high bids, but less than previous peaks. Krug’s Clos du Mesnil 1988 reached €2,500, compared to over €4,000 for the 1979 vintage sold in 2023. Selosse’s Extra-Brut 2008 stopped at €2,250, and Salon’s cuvée S from the same vintage at €2,000.
The 2008 vintage remains one of the most sought-after, also represented by Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Françaises (€1,688) and Egly-Ouriet’s Grands Côtés Ambonnay Vieilles Vignes (€713). Wines from 2002 are also highly prized, such as Pierre Péters’ Les Chétillons Oenothèque (€750) and Henri Giraud’s Argonne (€625). Older vintages continue to hold appeal and value, including Dom Ruinart 1973 (€625) and Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne 1976 (€550).
Only two recent vintages made the ranking—La Closerie d’un Iota 2016 by Jérôme Prévost and Les Traverses 2017 by Aurélien Lurquin—both natural expressions, signaling growing interest in this style. Also notable is the limited presence of three non-vintage Champagnes, two of which are by Vignerons Cédric Bouchard and Ulysse Collin, indicating a broadening of market sensibilities. Alongside them, historic grand cuvées continue to affirm their prestige: Winston Churchill by Pol Roger, Elisabeth Salmon by Billecart-Salmon, and Clos des Goisses by Philipponnat remain among the most appreciated labels.
2025 Signals in iDealwine Auctions: The Rise of the Vignerons
While 2024 celebrated the return of major names, early signs in 2025 point to movement among small natural and biodynamic producers, increasingly present in the “most beautiful sales” month after month. Selosse remains the guiding light for this category, but other Vignerons are emerging as rising stars, building on their strong 2024 performance in terms of price and ranking: such as Cédric Bouchard, Egly-Ouriet, Emmanuel Brochet, Marie-Noëlle Ledru, and Ulysse Collin.
The consistent presence of these names in 2025 auctions confirms that the space reserved for small independent producers is not a passing trend, but a structural component of the market.
A Dual Growth Track: Implications
The emerging picture is one of Champagne moving at two speeds: on one side, historic Maisons, backed by volume and global recognition, continue to attract international buyers and deliver solid auction values. On the other, a select group of artisanal Vignerons, often committed to natural practices in vineyard and cellar, are increasingly establishing themselves as cult labels.
The coexistence of these two attractive poles is not contradictory, but complementary: collectors diversify their investments, alternating between established icons and rare, experimental bottles. The message is clear: while the centrality of major brands remains, interest in Vignerons is growing—driven by a knowledgeable audience seeking authenticity, uniqueness, and values rooted in vineyard practices.
