November 17, 2019: date of the 159th Hospices de Beaune wine sale

Famous the world over, the Hospices de Beaune wine sale attracts wine professionals and enthusiasts alike every year. Held on the third Sunday in November, it is punctuated by festivities and entertainment. This year, the charity wine event takes place on November 17, with festivities scheduled from November 15 to 17. Organized by Christie's since 2005, the 159th edition of this auction is sponsored by a number of celebrities: journalist Ophélie Meunier, actor François-Xavier Demaison and basketball player Tony Parker. And for the "Presidents' Piece", it's a grand cru de Bourgogne that was chosen, a Corton Bressandes, with all proceeds going to the Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière and the Autour des Williams association.

A rather modest vintage due to weather conditions

Last year, 828 pieces were offered, raising a record 14.2 million euros, including 230,000 euros for the two "Presidents' Pieces". For the 2019 edition, the quantity had to be revised downwards due to the unfavorable weather conditions: lack of rain and frost in winter, heatwave in June, thunderstorms and hail in July... The yield is therefore lower. So, for the 159th edition of the Hospices de Beaune wine sale, "only" 589 barrels will be presented, from 50 cuvées, 17 white and 33 red. Nevertheless, if the quantity is lower than in 2018, the quality is good! Similarly, the harvest took place earlier this year, in September, and this translates into "alcohol levels similar to last year, but more acidity, a touch typical of Burgundy wines, and seductive tannin" according to Ludivine Griveau, cellar master at Hospices de Beaune.

What can we expect from 2019?

Will the 2018 record be broken on November 17, 2019? For now, it's impossible to know. We'll have to wait a few more days to find out. But we already know that this 2019 edition will be rich in festivities. Throughout the weekend, numerous wineries and wine merchants will be opening their cellars, offering tours and tastings. There will also be street entertainment, a gastronomic village and a folk parade. At the end of the sale, which can be followed live on the Internet, a candlelight dinner will be held. And as tradition dictates, the auction of the President's coin will be conducted by candlelight. All in all, a fine program for this new edition of the Hospices de Beaune wine sale!