Ancient Wine Collection Revealed at Czech Castle

An extraordinary collection of 130-year-old wine was recently unveiled at Bečov Castle in the Czech Republic. Hidden beneath the chapel floor, this treasure trove dates back to the late 19th century.

Discovery and Restoration

The wine cache, consisting of 133 bottles from 1892 to 1899, was found at Bečov Castle, a medieval fortress near the German border. Officials discovered the bottles in 1985 when an American businessman, working on behalf of the Beaufort-Spontin family, sought to recover a hidden artifact. This prompted the authorities to investigate and uncover the wine.

After its discovery, the prestigious French winery Château d’Yquem undertook meticulous restoration work. They preserved the dust accumulated over decades, ensuring the collection’s authenticity remained intact.

Ideal Preservation Conditions

Bečov Castle’s underground chapel provided an optimal environment for preserving the wine. The thick walls maintained consistent humidity and temperature, crucial for the wine’s longevity. Toni El Khawand, the cellar master at Château d’Yquem, highlighted these conditions as ideal for wine storage.

Testing Vintage Quality

In 2016, experts evaluated the wine’s quality using a Coravin device. This tool extracts samples without damaging the cork, providing insights into the wine’s condition without compromising the bottle.

Historical Context

After World War II, the Czechoslovak government confiscated Bečov Castle from the Beaufort-Spontin family, who were labeled Nazi sympathizers. The discovery of this wine cache adds a rich layer of historical intrigue to the site.

Finds such as this are rare, yet they offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Previous instances include a 150-year-old alcohol bottle found in Utah, which experts identified as apple cider.