INTERVIEW: Shipwreck champagne may still be fit for a tsar

A 19th-century shipwreck discovered 60 metres below the surface of the Baltic Sea off the coast of Sweden has some unexpected treasure - around a hundred bottles of some of the best champagne ever produced. Unique conditions where the wreck was found mean the champagne could well be in excellent condition. Described as 'very exclusive', the cargo is said to have been destined for the tsar of Russia before the vessel sank.The divers say permission from Swedish authorities is needed to bring the cargo to shore to find out how much they might be worth now and if the contents are still drinkable. Youssef Saudie spoke to champagne consultant Bernadette O'Shea who says not only are the contents likely to be drinkable - but they could be worth their weight in gold.

Bottles of Champagne in the shipwreck on the Baltic seabed Source: AAP

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