1949 | Hospices de Civiles de Beaune | Corton Cuvee Dr. Peste

Detailed Description

Dry and warm summer conditions in 1949 ripened the grapes nicely to an optimal level, which resulted in a fine harvest at the end of September. It produced rich, elegant wines of style and harmony.

Producer Information

Hospices de Civiles de Beaune is a former charitable almshouse founded in 1443 in the town of Beaune. It is now a modern hospital, with the original buildings serving as a museum. Since 1859, a charity wine auction has raised funds for the hospital with the wines produced being released under the Hospice’s umbrella label. The wines are made at the Hospices winery from around 60 hectares (150 acres) of vineyard holdings which have been donated to the charity over many decades. Much of these are in premier and grand cru vineyard sites including Clos de la Roche, Mazis-Chambertin and Corton. As of 2018 there are 50 cuvées which can be made; 33 red wine and 17 white wines. Along with the identity of the Grand Cru or Premier Cru, each label features the name of the historic donor. The auction of these just-made wines in barrel takes place on the third Sunday in November, with both amateurs and professionals bidding. Prices tend to exceed ‘normal’ market values but give some indication of likely trends for bulk wine prices for the coming year. The wines are then shipped to the negociant-eleveur designated by the purchaser (who may themselves be a wine producer) who age the wines in barrel and then bottle them. The name of this company typically appears on the label, along with the purchaser and the cuvée name. Thus the style of any given cuvée can vary greatly from year to year.