The Hospices Presidential Barrel (Pièce des Présidents): an auction within the auction

Each year, a great wine to support 2 charities

What attracts the world's attention every year is a very special auction. This high point, which thrills the entire room, is a reminder of the universal charitable dimension of Hospices de Beaune auctions. A full barrel (sometimes two) of a special wine, not included in the catalog, is sold by candlelight, as in the old days: the Pièce des Présidents, also known as the Pièce de Charité.
This wine donated by the Hospices de Beaune, generally a grand cru, is sold for the benefit of one or more charities, which share the proceeds. Each year, celebrities (actors, musicians, writers...) who sponsor these associations animate this auction within the auction with talent and sensitivity, taking the place of the auctioneer to raise prices as high as possible, for a good cause!
The current absolute record for the charity auction dates back to 2021, when an English buyer acquired a barrel of Corton Grand Cru Les Renardes for €800,000.

Maison Albert Bichot, regular buyer of the Pièce des Présidents

Albert Bichot also proudly supports the sale of the Pièce des Présidents. No fewer than 6 of the house's customers have acquired this exceptional barrel in recent history, often breaking new records for generosity, and of course entrusted us with its aging in our cellars. Why? Because Albert Bichot and our customers strongly share the values of the institution. Their support, year after year, for the causes defended by charitable associations is a strong testimony to our commitment to uphold the Hospices motto: great wines for a great cause.

Hospices Presidential Barrels acquired by Albert Bichot and our customers since 2004

• 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
• 2014: Corton Bressandes - €220,000 for a group of customers from Quebec
• 2017: Corton Grand Cru Clos du Roi and Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrières - €230,000 for Mr Leung
• 2020: Clos de la Roche Grand Cru: €660,000 by an anonymous customer