The longest reign in the history
of France.
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The annual Hospices de Beaune aucion is
an important event in the wine-world’s calendar, rooted in history.
Beaune’s Hôtel Dieu was founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor to Duke Philip
the Good of Burgundy (1419-1467), to relieve some of the misery caused by the 100
Years’War. Since that date its work of caring and succour has gone on.
The title Hospices de Beaune stems from the merger of the Hôtel-Dieu with another local
hospital, the Hospice de la Charité, in the 19th century. |
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Today the Hospices, thanks to their
charitable endwments, manage a prestigious modern health facility.
The original Hôtel-Dieu is now maintened by the Hospices as a historic monument wich
receives more than 400.000 visitors a year. The Hospices also own a 61 hectare domaine of
grand cru and premier cru wines which has been built up over half a millenium of gifts and
legacies.
The charity wine auction dates back to 1859. 189 barrels were sold on that occasion. Since
1924 the sale has invariably taken place on the third Sunday in November. |
A changeless ritual
The chief Auctioneer conducts the sale according to the
picturesque and time-honoured ritual of bidding " à la bougie ". Bids
must be made during a limited period defined by the lighting and exinguishing of a candle
and may not be of less than 1.000FF.
Maturing in news casks, the wines must go into traditional Burgundian négociants who have
bid successfully for them. The wines must go into traditional Burgundian bottles and bear
the special labels issued by the Hospices. Information on the label includes appellation,
name of cuvée, year, and the name and address of the buyer.
The entire proceeds of the sale go to the Hospital and are invested to fund its work.
Wine sales over the last six years
1993 : 10 681 000 Frs (759 barrels sold)
1994 : 12 047 000 Frs (558 barrels sold)
1995 : 13 149 800 Frs (565 barrels sold)
1996 : 18 714 850 Frs (719 barrels sold)
1997 : 23 529 295 Frs (617 barrels sold)
1998 : 24 699 062 Frs (577 barrels sold)
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