Pressroom

Business press releases

Support from Maison Albert Bichot for the 164th Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction

27/11/2024

The 164th Hospices de Beaune wine auction took place on Sunday November 17. Led by Sotheby's for the fourth year running, it is a highlight for Bourgogne wines, and once again demonstrated buyers' support for the famous Beaune institution.

Albert Bichot and the Hospices de Beaune auction : a historic relationship

Firmly rooted since 1876, when our Burgundy house bid its first barrel of wine, the link between our two institutions endures and grows stronger every year. Buying from the Hospices de Beaune is not only a tradition, but also a commitment to the fine cause that the sale represents, and that is full of meaning for Albéric Bichot, himself born at the Hospices de Beaune.

For more than 25 years, Albert Bichot has been the leading buyer. This was the case again this year, with the purchase of 85.5 barrels for €4,409,000 (32% of the total sale in value and 19% in volume). According to Albéric Bichot: “We're very happy for the hospital, and pleased to have bought barrels from Savigny, Beaune and Echezeaux Grand Cru for example and of course all the 3.5 barrels of Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru.”

The “Pièce de Charité”, also known as the “ President’s Barrel”, sold for the “One Health” cause

The Presidents’ barrel, a Beaune Premier Cru Les Bressandes, was sold for €360,000. This amount will be donated in full to two associations: Global Gift Foundation and Médecins Sans Frontières. The choice of these two associations is in line with the One Health cause, which is  in the spotlight this year, and reflects the relationship between health and the environment that lies at the heart of the Hospices institution: Domaine des Hospices de Beaune has just been certified organic, and the hospital is committed to an approach of Social and Environmental Responsibility.

Global Gift Foundation is a non-profit humanitarian organization that aims to create a positive impact on the lives of children, women and families, who are in vulnerable situations and/or at risk of social exclusion. Represented by actors Eva Longoria and Jean Reno at the Sale, the organization collects a portion of the funds raised through the sale of the Charity Barrel. These funds will be allocated to Casa Angeles, a day center located in Marbella, to improve the quality of life of children and their families with special needs.

Médecins sans Frontières, an international humanitarian medical association, provides medical assistance to populations whose health or lives are threatened in France or abroad, in the event of armed conflict, epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters or exclusion from healthcare. Acting duo Dominic West and Zabou Breitman represented the association at the sale. The remainder of the funds raised from the sale of the Charity Barrel will be allocated to the fight against neglected tropical diseases, debilitating and fatal diseases with complex epidemiology affecting mainly poor populations in rural tropical areas.

2024: an experimental vintage according to Ludivine Griveau, manager of Domaine des Hospices de Beaune

“Because this vintage is like no other, because it will remain etched (for a very long time) in our memories as winemakers, and finally, because it gave us the opportunity to measure just how fragile our knowledge, not to say certainties, are, it truly deserves the term 'experimental'. In my opinion, it will have enriched us with an unprecedented EXPERIENCE on which we can build in the future."

The white wines are straightforward and pure, with the acidity in line with the noblest qualities of fine Chardonnay.

The red wines are colorful, with bright, intense fruit and tannins that are sometimes full-bodied yet round.

2024 also marks a turning point in the history of the Domaine des Hospices de Beaune, with the official conversion of the 60- hectare vineyard to organic viticulture. This certification echoes the environmental convictions of Maison Albert Bichot, which has been committed to organic viticulture for many years. It will enable Hospices de Beaune wines aged by Albert Bichot to be organic certified, from the vine to the bottle, as is the case for the wines of Domaines Albert Bichot.

Sales results in figures

The 2024 edition raised €13,909,000 for a total of 439.5 barrels. This result represents the 4th best Hospices de Beaune sale, despite the lowest number of barrels after 2021. The average price of the barrel this year is €31,647, an overall increase of 2.53% compared to 2023 (-5.37% for reds and +8.02% for whites). Albéric Bichot comments: "It was a very strange sale that kept us on our toes right to the end. The event's supporters were present, and most of the red cuvées returned to 2022 prices. As for the whites, they drove the prices up and amounted for almost half the sale”.

PRESS CONTACT : PAIN VIN & COMPANY
Charlotte Pouille – cpouille@painvincompany.com - 01 55 35 81 82