It happened – I MEAN – it REALLY happened, I’ve seen it… lived it, smiled it! 400 000 euros of a Beaune 1er Cru suddenly changed into gold to be given to Charity.

400 000 euros for the Nicolas Rolin Cuvée !

Last Sunday at the Hospices de Beaune Auction we lived a total Pinot Noir Moment. People stood up, everyone blinked, stared, laught. The Nicolas Rolin Cuvée is one you won’t soon forget! Also known as the President Piece, it is the one of the 45 cuvées presented that is traditionnaly sold for charity. Each time a great personality has the honor to become the auctioneer for this sale and makes a the show.

This year the magic wand holder was Fabrice Luchini, well respected French Actor, and the donor : Jacques Boisseaux from the old Burgund House Patriarche. 400 000 euros for 500 litres of wine – the equivalent of about 580 bottles ( after evaporation). I tend to think that price of wine doesn’t make the wine greater until this moment changed my mind.

Fabrice Luchini - Showman for the auction

It had been a while since I’d heard and seen as many people celebrate happiness all at once! You see general happiness on TV during football matches but then there is always a looser and a winner. This time no looser and no winner, everyone was happy for the same very reason: Someone has just given an unbelievable amount of money to charity (half will return to the cancer research with A.V.E.C and to the Red Cross). Twice more than the 2006 previous record (for a barrel of 228 litres only).

Saturday wine Tasting in Albert Bichot old cellar in Clos Frantin

The Hospices de Beaune is an hospital since 1443, helping the ones with more needs in Beaune and around. Since 1859, wines from the Hospices de Beaune started being presented at the auction that still runs today. Funds still go to the hospital and the sales has never been greater than this year with 4,5 millions euros donated in total.

The Auction is a time to celebrate the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the world. Streets were packed with world wine lovers the many vibrant representations of the Burgundy Wines history. At this time of the year, everyone engage into conversation and spends: a good time.

Hospices de Beaune Special : A specific label for a unique wine

During the three days before the auction, at the Maison Albert Bichot, major buyer during the Hospices, and in every cellar of Beaune, wine makers and their team have a feast. Traditionnal meals and fantastic tasting – You truly feel as if you were back in time !

Before the auction starts, you are allowed to try the young wines, it necessitate a long training to imagine how it could evolve. Main buyers like first buyer Albert Bichot are intermediary for many small others.

Hospices de Beaune 2010 Wines Tasting

I love this moment when after the tasting, Alberic Bichot and other in each house, listen and advice their clients. Like a real confessional, it’s a moment of intimacy  where one expresses its wishes soon to be realised. The wine bought will then be vinified by the the associated wine-makers and given back to the buyer after it spent the right amount of time in the barrel.

Make your Wish ! Alberic Bichot listening to the future wine holder

Everyone can buy wine, it starts at 6 bottles as low as 40 euros a bottle. I didn’t take my chance this year but feel sure I’ll be on the next round ! Vive la Bourgogne !

• A fantastic video from the auction and many more from Bourgogne Live: Here in French.
• More Pics of the events on the Miss Vicky Wine Facebook