Events

Russians second after Dutch at Toques et Clochers auction
www.wine-business-international, 10 April 2007

Russian professional buyers were bidding fiercely at the latest edition of the Toques et Clochers auction in Limoux.

8 Russian representatives, from high end restaurants and the wine trade, bought 15 barrels and three 60-bottle lots. After the Dutch, who dominated among the participants, the Russian contingent purchased a greater volume of wine than any other nationality.

After the Hospices de Beaune, the Toques et Clochers is one of the most prestigious charity wine auctions in France. It sells Chardonnay of the Limoux area and, more recently, red wine. This year 134 barrels were put on sale, an increase of 18 barrels over 2006. Average prices were 15% higher than in the previous year. The most expensive barrel was bought by the Baroness Philippine de Rothschild for 7,700 euros. The proceeds from the auction are donated to restore bell towers in the Limoux zone, an upper valley of the Aude.