On March 14th 2021 Maison Edouard Delaunay will write a new page in this history by allowing amateurs and collectors from all over the world to buy prestigious bottles at auction whilst offering them the unique experience of being involved in the actual event.
The Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges: a charity and a wine domaine created in the middle ages
- The charity
The originality of this institution lies in the nature of its heritage, consisting of a hospital, a retirement home and one of the most beautiful collections of vineyards of Nuits-Saint-Georges and the Côte de Nuits whose wines are sold at the traditional March auction.
It was in 1270 that the Hospices de Nuits was founded by a few wealthy families and local clergy. In 1633 and then later in 1692 the more modern establishments were built and they still exist today in the form of a hospital and a retirement home.
- The domaine: The Hospices de Nuits wine estate extends over 12.5 hectares and consists mainly of parcels from the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation, including six village appellations and nine premier crus.
Following Burgundian tradition the estate has grown over the centuries since 1688 thanks to donations and bequests, most notably of vines. These vines are cultivated and managed by the staff of the Hospices de Nuits and winegrowers.
The production is sold every year on the 2nd Sunday of March as part of the Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges auction.
This auction is a charity sale, financing as it does the hospital and the retirement home of Nuits-Saint-Georges. According to Laurent Delaunay, owner of Maison Edouard Delaunay “to bid at the Hospices de Nuits combines the pleasure of buying top wines with the joy of contributing to a great charity”.
Maison Edouard Delaunay and Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges
A historical relationship: The historic relationship between Maison Edouard Delaunay and the Hospices de Nuits began long before the first auction in 1961, when Laurent Delaunay’s grandfather bought Hospices de Nuits wines by mutual, exclusive agreement. On March 14th 2021, on the occasion of the 60th sale of the Hospices de Nuits wines, Maison Edouard Delaunay will write a new page in this history by allowing amateurs and collectors from all over the world to buy some prized bottles.
Since 1961, this “en primeur” sale of 228-litre barrels has been solely for professional buyers. However it will now be open to private customers and Maison Edouard Delaunay, a historical buyer at this sale, will offer clients from all over the world the opportunity to purchase wine.
The wines sold will finish their ageing in the cellars of Maison Edouard Delaunay, at Étang Vergy, under the supervision of cellar master Christophe Briotet, recently nominated “best winemaker in the world” by the prestigious “International Wine Challenge”.
- The unique experience of being at the heart of the auction. Maison Edouard Delaunay will offer each purchaser (24 bottle minimum) the opportunity to experience a particularly unique and exclusive event. As of the Friday preceding the auction, owner Laurent Delaunay, will welcome them to the Château de Gilly. The following day the winery at Étang Vergy will open its doors for a prestigious dinner.
On Sunday March 14th, customers will be able to visit the cellars of the Hospices de Nuits for an exclusive barrel-tasting in the presence of the Hospices de Nuits estate manager. Lunch will then be served in the magnificent setting of the Château du Clos de Vougeot. The experience will end in the Château’s large cellar for the traditional wine sale.
An intense and unforgettable experience right at the heart of the Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges auction.
To follow all the news of Maison Edouard Delaunay and access the program of this unique experience at the heart of the Hospices de Nuits-Saint-Georges wine auction go to:
