The history of the Hospices Civils de Beaune began in 1443 with the desire of Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins to build a hospital: the H么tel-Dieu. The founders engaged in charitable work and acts of patronage, thus establishing a tradition that has allowed the Hospices de Beaune to endure through history in exceptional conditions.
The uniqueness of this hospital institution lies in the importance and nature of its heritage, which consists of a historic monument, the H么tel-Dieu de Beaune, and a prestigious 60-hectare wine estate producing the finest Burgundy appellations. The vines grown here come from bequests or donations from generous benefactors in the region. The fruits of this labor are sold annually at auction. The Hospices de Beaune wine sale traditionally takes place every third Sunday in November as part of the world's most famous charity auction. Every year, during the sale, a barrel of wine (a 228-liter barrel) is put up for sale to benefit one or more charities.
Ludivine Griveau, manager of the Hospices de Beaune wine estate since 2015, decides how to manage the 60 hectares of vines under the care of her team of 23 employees, and each year, with her assistant, develops the 53 historic vintages that will be put up for sale. Her mission is to ensure the sustainability of the vineyard, with healthy vines to produce great wines, and thus perpetuate the functioning of the hospital institution. Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy Philip the Good, decided to found the H么tel-Dieu de Beaune in 1443. As early as 1452, nuns from a brotherhood in Flanders were able to welcome and care for the first patients in the large Salle des P么vres. This Cuv茅e expanded in 1963 thanks to a legacy from Madame Maurice Pallegoix, in memory of her husband, who was mayor of Demigny.
Climates and plots:
The robustness of the Climat des Cent Vignes was needed to properly honor the memory of the co-founder. A deep terroir that anchors the cuv茅e in the register of power and generosity. Its structure is completed by the Teurons and its rocky marls that lighten it with their minerality. Together in a lesser proportion, the Gr猫ves, the Gen锚ts and the Bressandes build a refined attack and finesse on the finish. An undeniable cuv茅e for laying down!
