Hospices De Beaune: Famous wine auction in Burgundy

Perhaps the most famous Charity wine auction on the world will take place on Sunday 15th November 2009 at the traditional covered market in Beaune.

This is the longest-established Charity wine auction which used to be run by the gothic Hospices De Beaune in Burgundy. However, since 2007 the prominent auction house Christies took over the organisation of the event that is  traditionally held on the third Sunday in November.

Historical background

Hospices de Beaune was founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of Duke of Burgundy. Poverty and famine in the wake of the Hundred Years’ War in France lead this profound man to establish a hospital for poor inhabitants of Beaune. The income was secured from saltworks and vines. Today, the proceedings from wine production remain to be donated to charity.

Every year in November wines made from more than 61ha of vineyards owned by the hospice winemaker are auctioned off at a charity auction attended by wine lovers as well as wine merchants from around the world.

It is a prestigious event highly sought after by the most prominent wine connoisseurs and a great opportunity to connect wine and a good cause.

What is on sale

You can find a wide range of Premier and Grand Cru wines from Beaune, Batard-Montarachet, Corton, Corton-Charlemagne, Clos de la Roche, Mazis-Chambertin, Meurault, Pommard, Pouilly-Fuseé, Savinny-lés-Beaune and Volnay. The best of these are auctioned and the rest are sold at the adjoining wine shop.

Present

Today, the hospital is just a museum and an adjourning Hotel-Dieu serves as a top accommodation for curious tourists.

If you can not make it for the auction, you can visit the “les caves” – wine cellars, and taste Hospices wines during a two hour tour or just their new “cuverie” – a wine fermentation room with wine tasting in just a one and a half hour tour. Both are encouraged to be booked in advance. (hospices.beaune@wanadoo.fr)

more info: www.hospices-de-beaune.tm.fr

tel: 33(0)3 80 2445 00

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Beaune: In the heart of Burgundy

Burgundy, with its fresh and friendly attitude towards wine production, is perhaps the most significant wine region in France. Forget the heavy, old and pricey Bordeaux usually developing its full potential with ageing. Delicate chardonnay in whites and pronounced Pinot Noir in red wines guarantees a unique and harmonious experience.

Advantages of Burgundy over Bordeaux

As my friend, a wine connoisseur, said: “In this economically challenging time it is Burgundy which caught my attention. It offers high quality wines while the prices are kept much lower compared to Bordeaux.”

I took his words to heart and decided to explore it first hand. I packed my wine guidebook and boarded the plane from Heathrow to Lyon.

Gastronomic paradise

While landing I observed the astonishingly colourful landscape of Burgudy and a question popped out of my head: Is it Beaune, Dijon or Lyon who should wear the crown of Burgundy?

Beaune is surrounded by villages with pompous names like Aloxe-Corton, Pommard, Savigny-lés-Beaune, Meursault, Volnay… Not ringing the bell yet? Fine, more follows, Vosne-Romaneé, Puligny- and Chasagne-Montrachet. If we judge by wine, than Beaune is the king!

Dijon is famous for its luscious mustard and Lyon for its outnumbered Michelin star restaurants (there are 37 of which three have three Michelin stars!). But if we talk about wines, it is Beaune and the villages around bursting with spectacular vineyards.

Producers around Beaune 

The town itself is located in Cote de Beaune just below the Cote de Nuits, home of Domaine Louis Jadot, Leroy and the most famous Domaine de la Romanée Conti. All of these are easily reachable within 20 minutes by car. Nevertheless, Cote de Beaune does not stay behind. Producers like Bouchard Pére & Fils, Domaine des Comtes Lafon and Domaine Bonneau du Martray figure on the labels of the world famous wines.

Bouchard Pére & Fils is located right in the centre of Beaune at rue du Chateau. Its best wines are Chevalier-Montrachet and the long named Beaune Gréves Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus.

A stone throw from Beaune is Domaine des Comtes Lafon producing Meursault from the outstanding terroir Perriéres where the first quality chardonnay is planted. It is a much better choice than the touristy Chateau de Meursault which has vineyards at Perriéres as well. I have tasted a couple of wines from this 11th century Chateau and was disappointed. Although, I really enjoyed sipping from the freely available open bottles while touring the 800,000 bottles cellar under the Chateau.

Where to eat

If your ever end up in Beaune try to eat at Bistro de L’Hotel offering not only typical Burgundese food, its Gratin truffles will blow your mind, but also a wide choice of local wines. The Beaune 1er Gréves 2006 –  De Montille was so tender and fruity, that we drunk the bottle before the cheese tray arrived! Though wines by the glass are also spectacular.

Youth is desirable

What is amazing about Beaune’s wines is that they can be drunk young while tasting gentle with a very low acidity. Even though there is not a single Grand Cru in the area, these wines won’t disappoint you. We all have different preferences and if your taste buds are like mine, the fresh reds from Savigny-lés-Beaunes will make you very happy.

further info: http://www.lhoteldebeaune.com

http://www.terroir-france.com/wine/bourgogne

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