In 1457, Jean Guillotte le Verrier made the first donation of vines to the Hôtel-Dieu built by Nicolas Rolin in Beaune in 1443. This custom continued through the centuries and endures today. Making a donation of vines to the Hospices is a way for the patients or their family to thank the institution, ensure its longevity and, also, to go down in history themselves! The wines of the Hospices de Beaune (referred to as cuvées) often bear the name of the family who donated the plots of vines whose grapes go into the composition of the wine. Today the Domaine des Hospices de Beaune covers 60 hectares, A large majority of these vineyards (50 hectares) are planted with Pinot Noir for the production of red wines (appellations: Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Corton, Savigny, Auxey-Duresses, Santenay, Pernand-Vergelesses, Echezeaux, Mazis-Chambertin, Clos de La Roche). 10 hectares are planted with Chardonnay for the white wines (appellations: Chablis, Meursault, Pouilly-Fuissé, Corton Charlemagne, Puligny-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet). An obvious indicator of their quality is the fact that 85% of the Domaine des Hospices vines are classified as premiers crus and grands crus. The remaining 15% are classified as ’appellation village’. For many years now, the Domaine’s vineyards have been cultivated taking a sustainable, environmentally-friendly approach (no chemical inputs), and are now organic certified. Buy Hospices De Beaune wines online from VINO&VINO wine and spirits shop and enjoy free delivery in Yerevan.