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28/09/2021
161st Hospices de Beaune Wine Sale on Sunday 21 November 2021, Halles de Beaune
Details Revealed About the 2021 Vintage and the Nominated Charities to Benefit from the Sale of the President’s Barrel.
BEAUNE, 28 September 2021 – The Hospices de Beaune auction has earned a reputation as the most historic and important annual wine auction in the world, synonymous with the intimate links between the worlds of charity and auctions. In keeping with its founding values, all proceeds from the annual auction continue to go to support the cost of medical care and upkeep of the organisation’s hospitals in the South Côte d’Or territory in France. Representing the pinnacle of the calendar in Bourgogne, the Hospices auction not only raises important funds to be invested in the medical equipment and the modernisation of the hospital institution, but also for service and care of the local community.
In addition, the proceeds for one particular barrel, the Pièce du President, are donated by the Hospices de Beaune to a specially nominated charity every year. The Hospices Civils de Beaune has revealed that proceeds from the sale of the Pièce du Président at the forthcoming 161st Hospices de Beaune wine sale will benefit two associations dedicated to women’s causes. In partnership with Sotheby’s, this year’s sale, to be held on Sunday 21 November 2021, will present for auction the 2021 vintages produced from the 60-hectare estate, providing a unique opportunity both to acquire superb Burgundy wines and to contribute to one of the world’s truly historic charitable institutions.
"The uniqueness of our hospital institution lies in the importance of its heritage. The Hospices de Beaune wine estate was built up over the course of history through donations of the best Burgundy appellations (60 hectares), the production of which is auctioned every year on the third Sunday in November as part of the world's most famous charity sale. This is a historic wine estate that knows how to adapt to change.
The sale of the Hospices de Beaune wines enables the necessary investments to be made to meet the health needs of the region, namely the improvement of medical equipment and the modernisation of our hospitals. The completion of the reconstruction of the Philippe le Bon Hospital represents an investment of 70 million euros over the next six years.
With the arrival of Sotheby's, the sale of Hospices de Beaune wines opens a new chapter in its history. This new collaboration will respect the foundations and secular heritage of our prestigious institution while contributing to the reputation of the Hospices Civils de Beaune and its wines throughout the world. This is the opportunity facing Sotheby's, the prestigious and
experienced auction house that will coordinate and promote the sale of Hospices de Beaune wines for the next five years.
While the profits from the entire sale support the charitable work of the Hospices, there is one barrel each year where the proceeds are donated to another charity. The Pièce du President or Charity Piece barrel from the 161st Hospices de Beaune wine auction will be donated to two associations that work in favour of women. This is an unquestionable choice for us, given the importance of the social and public health issues at stake, which have been part of our history since Guigone de Salins.
Each of us considers that we are the most important person here, that way of thinking is human nature. I am delighted to say that for the Hospices Civils de Beaune the most important people are the young women or men recruited today to become tomorrow’s doctors, nurses or care assistants – they are our future.”
"Our entire global team, from Europe to Asia and the Americas, is galvanized in support of this sale, ready and eager to draw even wider attention both to the important work of the Hospices and the exceptional quality of the wines. There is no greater honour for us all than to host the most famous and oldest wine auction in the world, and I can think of no better way of marking Sotheby’s official launch of wine and spirits sales in France."
"As the oldest charity auction, as well as the most famous wine auction, in the world, the Hospices de Beaune sale brings unique challenges. The fact that we have been given the opportunity to work together is a testament to what we have done in the past and our team is working hard to bring what we do best to this auction. We feel a great responsibility to everyone who has an interest in the success of the sale, to tell new audiences what is happening, why it is happening, why it is important and how easy it is to participate – and, through this process, to bring in new buyers to Beaune."
"The 2021 vintage began with a climatic anomaly that started at the end of March when temperatures were abnormally high for the season and this led to a veritable explosion in growth. It continued with the extreme frost at the beginning of April over three successive nights."
All this was followed by the pressure of strict health measures, which is when Ludivine confirmed: "a war of nerves was declared".
"The estate managed to overcome these climatic difficulties and these health regulations while respecting its approach, without the use of any synthetic chemical products, thanks to two of its mainstays. The first is the strength of its organisation: 23 winemakers who are committed, united and quick to respond, and the second is linked to the history of the estate's vineyards, which are mainly located on hillsides, making them easily accessible in the event of capricious weather.
It is time for the harvest, with modest quantities, but the quality of the juice and grapes is very reassuring."
Hospices Civils de Beaune
About Sotheby’s Wine
PRESS & COMUNICATION CONTACTS
HOSPICES CIVILS DE BEAUNE
Estelle Bidault - Attachée de presse vente des vins - Hospices Civils de Beaune
estelle.bidault@ch-beaune.fr - +33(0)6 73 91 77 79
Juliette Mezzavilla – Chargée de communication - Hospices Civils de Beaune
juliette.mezzavilla@ch-beaune.fr - +33(0)3 80 24 45 30
SOTHEBY’S
Sophie Dufresne - Directrice presse & communication - Sotheby’s
sophie.dufresne@sothebys.com - +33(0)1 53 05 53 66
Claire Jehl - Attachée de presse & communication - Sotheby’s
claire.jehl@sothebys.com - + 33 (0)1 53 05 52 32