Burgundy hosts Beaune Wine Auction

(TheStar) - EVERY November, oenophiles, wine sellers and celebrity personalities gather in Burgundy, France, for the prestigious Hospices de Beaune wine auction. Recent vintages from the Hospices’ vineyards are sold in 228-litre “piéces” or barrels, each containing the equivalent of 288 75cl bottles, and proceeds benefit the hospice and other charitable initiatives.

The event will be held this year on Nov 17 in the presence of French actress and royal figure Clothilde Courau and French comedian Laurent Gerra. The two celebrities will represent, respectively, the Association Petits Princes – similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation – and the Association Les Papillons Blancs – which endeavours to improve life for the mentally handicapped.

For this 2013 edition, a total of 443 piéces will be auctioned off, each containing one of 43 wines or “cuvées”, including 30 reds and 13 whites. Wine connoisseurs are drawn to the auction in part through the reputation of the Hospices de Beaune’s vineyards, 85% of which are officially classified as Premier Cru or Grand Cru. In 2012, the average price for a piéce in the auction was €10,073 (RM44,000) , and a total of 518 piéces were sold.