Marcos Llorente, the versatile midfielder for Atlético Madrid, has once again made headlines, this time for celebrating the team’s progression to the Copa del Rey final with an exceptionally rare and expensive wine. Llorente and teammate Antoine Griezmann marked the occasion following Atlético’s victory over Barcelona in the semi-final, a result secured after a 4-0 first-leg advantage despite a 3-0 loss in the return match at Camp Nou.
The celebration took place at the renowned Basque Country restaurant, Etxebarri, where Llorente and Griezmann, accompanied by their partners, enjoyed a meal featuring delicacies like various meats, shrimp, and other regional specialties, as shared by Llorente on social media. The pairing for this gastronomic experience was a particularly noteworthy selection: a Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Cros Parantoux from the 2001 vintage – the final release from the legendary French producer.
This wine is exceptionally rare, with fewer than 3,500 bottles produced. According to auction market data, bottles of this vintage can fetch prices ranging from €15,000 to €40,000, depending on condition and demand. Larger format magnum bottles, containing double the volume, have reportedly sold for nearly €90,000. The meal itself cost over €300 per person, but the wine clearly represented a significant portion of the indulgence.
A Taste for the Exceptional: Llorente’s Latest Year’s Eve Celebration
This isn’t the first time Llorente has publicly showcased his appreciation for fine wine. On New Year’s Eve, the Atlético Madrid player shared details of an exclusive menu designed by chef Nicolás Somoza. The wine pairings for that occasion included the Pommard Poisot 2023 and, notably, the Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2018, valued at approximately €6,000 per bottle.
Llorente’s New Year’s Eve menu was a lavish affair, featuring delicacies such as spider crab, cooked white shrimp, three preparations of red shrimp, a stew of elvers, grilled clams, grilled peas, Joselito ham with black truffle, Galician clams in tosazu with caviar, grilled lobster, pil pil cod, clandestine txuleta (a cut of beef) grilled on a robata, and an artisanal panettone for dessert.
The Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2018, enjoyed during the New Year’s Eve celebration, originates from Burgundy, France, and is considered one of the world’s most sought-after wines. Crafted from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin, this Grand Cru is celebrated for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential, boasting intense aromas of red fruit, spices, and earth.
Llorente’s penchant for these exclusive wines highlights a growing trend among high-profile athletes who appreciate the finer things in life. It’s a celebration not just of sporting success, but likewise of culinary artistry and the world of luxury goods. Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, secured their place in the Copa del Rey final after eliminating FC Barcelona, a feat they hadn’t achieved in thirteen years, with their last victory coming in 2013 against Real Madrid.
Marcos Llorente, who will be making his first appearance in a Copa del Rey final, acknowledged that the team faced a tougher challenge than expected despite their commanding first-leg lead. He noted the difficulties they encountered defending against Barcelona’s set pieces, particularly from corners and crosses. The team’s focus in the second leg was simply to hold on and prevent Barcelona from scoring a fourth goal that would force extra time.
The upcoming Copa del Rey final represents a significant opportunity for Atlético Madrid to add another trophy to their cabinet and continue their impressive run under Simeone. For Llorente and Griezmann, it’s a chance to savor not only the victory but also a truly exceptional vintage.
Atlético Madrid will face the winner of the other semi-final in the Copa del Rey final. The date and venue for the final have not yet been announced by the league.
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