A very special barrel of Clos de la Roche grand cru as Pièce des Présidents for the Hospices de Beaune 2020 auction

An outstanding charity barrel ("Pièce des présidents") dedicated to all hospital workers victims of Covid-19 ...for a special year 2020

Domaine des Hospices de Beaune presents the Charity barrel (also called Piece des Présidents) : an outstanding Clos de la Roche Grand Cru.

For this anniversary edition, the Hospices Civils de Beaune and the Château de Chambord have joined forces to make the sale of the Presidents' barrel a unique experience which will offer the possibility for buyers from all over the world, whether wine lovers or collectors, to bid to help a worthy and noble cause.

Healthcare workers to benefit
Front-line hospital workers from France and around the world have been mobilized to confront the Coronavirus epidemic. Their commitment and courage have made it possible to respond to the health needs of a nation and to confront the magnitude of this unprecedented crisis. Some even making the ultimate sacrifice. It is fitting that this year, the profits from the sale of the Presidents' barrel should benefit the hospital key-workers of France. They will be represented by the French Hospital Federation (F.H.F) and the Committee for Social Work Management in Public Hospitals (C.G.O.S.) who will ensure the distribution of the donation to hospital staff and their families affected by this epidemic.  

An outstanding wine: Clos de la Roche Grand Cru
It is in the rare Burgundy Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte de Nuits, an area renowned for the greatest Pinot Noir vintages, that Ludivine Griveau, manager of the Hospices de Beaune vineyards, has scrupulously selected the best vines within the climat of “Les Froichots”, in the Grand Cru parcel of the Clos de la Roche domaine. Planted between 1968 and 1972 this old vine has remarkable properties which reveal themselves in the fruit and the tasting of the grapes confirming excellent ageing potential, perfect balance and beautiful structure.

A unique barrel with oak from Domaine de Chambord
The wood used to make the barrel of the Pièce des Présidents is from grand cru oak grown in the Domaine de Chambord forest. Located in the Loire Valley, in the heart of France, the Chambord forest borders the national forests of Boulogne, Russy and Blois which are themselves ideal for oak barrel production. It is also less than 150 kilometres away from the prestigious forests of Loches, Bercé and Tronçais. Through the ages the domaine has been preserved and the entirety of its forest is classified a historical monument. Chambord complies with the sustainable management certifications Natura 2000 and PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes). Today, the national domaine of Chambord is closely tied with the world of wine as it offers a limited edition of high quality oak barrels. This project is an impressive legacy whilst also being cost-effective and sustainable: Chambord hopes its forest will regain a rightful place in French history, by promoting the lumber industry, developing the fame of its brand and lastly becoming part of an integrated initiative to promote wine tourism. This quest for excellence unites perfectly with the aspiration of the Hospices Civils de Beaune to deliver an exceptional Presidents' barrel.

Source : Press release from Domaine des Hospices de Beaune - 9 September 2020

The President barrel: an auction within the auction, always strongly supported by Albert Bichot

Given by the Hospices de Beaune estate to the benefit of one or several charities, the presidential barrel is every year a highlight and key moment of the auction. Our house Albert Bichot of course also supports this worthy cause. We and our customers indeed bought 6 times this very special wine, often a Grand Cru, thanks to the tremendous generosity of our customers from all over the world. Here are the president barrel we had the pleasure to age in our cellars:

• 2004 : Mazis-Chambertin Cuvée Madeleine Collignon – 51 000 € for James Thomson
• 2008 : Pommard 1er Cru Dames de la Charité – 50 000 € for James Thomson
• 2011 : Corton Clos du Roi Baronne du Baÿ – 110 000 € for Stephen Williams
• 2012 : Corton grand cru, cuvée Charlotte Dumay – 270 000 € for a customer from Ukraine
• 2014 : Corton Bressandes – 220 000 € for a group of private customers from Québec, Canada
• 2017 : Corton Grand Cru Clos du Roi et Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrières – 230 000 € for Mr Leung

Vintage 2020: the promising yet earliest millésime ever at the Hospices de Beaune estate

Harvested between 19th and 29th August 2020, the vintage 2020 is so far the earliest ever from the estate history. See our interview from Ludivine Griveau, winemaker, below.

Register now for the 160th Hospices de Beaune wine auction

15th November 2020: save the date! You can already register in a few seconds and without commitment to take part to the most famous wine auction in the world. Albert Bichot, a leading Burgundy Maison and proud #1 buyer for the last 20 years will help you from A to Z. From 1 bottle to 1 barrel, live an outstanding Hospices experience with us