Love it or hate it, one undoubtedly cannot talk about Celebrity Owned and Endorsed Champagne Brands without mentioning probably the most well-known celeb-owned champagne of all, Armand de Brignac, owned by mogul and hip-hop artist Shawn Carter, a.k.a. Jay-Z.
In 2000 the Cattier family decided to produce the world’s most expensive champagne, already having a name for it – back in the 1950’s Nelly Cattier, mother to Jean-Jacques Cattier, discovered the name De Brignac in a novel she was reading, she liked the name and registered it for future use. During the creation of Armand de Brignac in early 2000, Jean-Jacques decided to pay tribute to his mother by giving this name to their new champagne.
Soon after release of the first bottles in 2006, Armand de Brignac, also known as Ace of Spades, was discovered by Jay-Z. The champagne of choice amongst hip-hop artists and rappers at the time was Louis Roederer’s Cristal, regularly appearing in their music videos and lyrics. But during an interview, Cristal’s Manager Frederic Rouzaud literally put his foot in his mouth when asked why he thought Cristal so popular amongst these artists … his reply “What can we do?” We can’t forbid people from buying it.” Needless to say, these guys, including Jay-Z were pissed and he called for a boycott on Cristal and stopped rapping about it. Shortly after, he discovered Armand de Brignac, and featured it in a music video in 2006. Details are sketchy and views are conflicting on when he actually acquired the brand, some stating that he had a financial interest in it already at initial release. Starts from around $300 per bottle.
For all the latest news on Armand de Brignac check them out on Facebook.
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American rapper, Curtis James Jackson III (and if you’re going “whoooo?” … I’m talking about 50 Cent) is the latest celebrity to launch a Champagne brand.
Enter Champagne Le Chemin du Roi. Produced by Champagne Castelnau, a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir and 45% Pinot Meunier with a dosage of 8g/lt aged for more than 4 years on the lees. Adorned with a 14 karat rose gold-plated Cross of the King on every bottle. There is a range of cuvées although only the rosé has been released so far and it will set you back $300 upwards per bottle. Check out their Instagram feed for some cool images.
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If you’re a fan of rock music, you’ll want to add a bottle of Limited Edition Champagne Roger Daltrey produced by Champagne Charles Orban and available exclusively through Eminent-Life, to your collection.
Released in celebration of The Who‘s 50th Anniversary, Champagne Roger Daltrey is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier, it is available exclusively through Emiment-Life, a UK based company which celebrates excellence in music and the Arts by creating limited edition products.
I was lucky enough to sample a bottle of this a few weeks ago, and if you have read my previous posts, you will know I have a weakness for Chardonnay-driven Champagne. It presented with aromas of citrus fruits with hints of fudge, a superb, complex wine that paired beautifully with our dinner of spicy tacos.
Spoil yourself and add a few bottles of this to your collection. Online at £95 per bottle, you can get it here.
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Although obviously not celebrity-owned, Champagne House JM Gobillard & Fils, produced Champagne Marilyn Monroe Premier Cru Brut for Norwegian Company Rosmersholm. Released in 2011, almost 50 years after the icon’s death, a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 25% each Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. At the time it retailed for around €65 and you’ll have to search through online auction sites to try and find one to add to your collection. Oh, and when you do, get one for me too 🙂
Pop, Fizz, Clink
The Champagne Chick
xo
THE CHAMPAGNE CHICK 