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Highlander to host Hospices auction
French actor Christopher Lambert and journalist Claire Chazal will host this year’s Hospices de Beaune auction.
The 155th incarnation of the sale is set to be the biggest since 2011 – thanks to a large 2015 harvest – with the number of barrels of red rising from 417 to 458, although the number of white barrels on sale will stay at 117.
Nonetheless, the 575 barrels on sale this year is still below the 761 offered in 2011, though some way above the 443 offered in 2013.
Every year some famous faces are invited to help host the auction (which is conducted by Christie’s Anthony Hanson MW). Previous guests have included Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Gérard Depardieu and Inès de la Fressange.
This year Lambert, famous for playing the immortal Connor McLeod in the ‘80s classic Highlander, and well-known journalist and novelist Chazal will be on the podium.
Lambert (pictured), as well as acting, also owns a mineral water business and is co-owner of a vineyard in the Côtes du Rhône.
This year’s “pièce des presidents” will be a “tonneau” of Corton Renardes grand cru, which will be sold for the benefit of the Curie Institute.
Proceeds from the auction all go to various named charities and the Hospices itself which continues to function as a hospital – though in more modern facilities. Last year the sale realised a new record of €8 million.
Consistent with reports from across Europe and even further afield, the 2015 vintage in Burgundy is expected to be exceptionally good.
The Hospices’ new oenologist, Ludivine Griveau whose first vintage it is, was quoted in Christie’s report as saying: “Red wines show intense, beautifully nuanced, ruby colours, with varied aromas, some recalling fresh, black fruits, some reflecting the sunshine-rich summer, others being spicy. We have punched down and pumped over the fermenting juices, varying our handling of the fruit from vat to vat, according to what the grapes brought us.”
Meanwhile the whites: “Are fermenting gently in the cellar, in their barrels. This vintage is producing richly fruity whites, with aromas of ripe apricot and white peaches. Natural alcohol is fairly high, with acidity levels which may surprise us favourably, after secondary fermentation, as the pH are not that high, and the malic acid is low – however, it is too early to be definite.”
The auction takes place on 15 November.