The Cave de Sieur d'Arques was both courageous and cautious. As no foreign guests were expected for their big event, the number of participants was reduced to 150 invited experts and the number of barriques offered to 40. Interested parties from abroad could bid via the internet. Three quarters of the barrels went to French customers, and a new record was set with an average price of over €6,800 per barrique. The total result reached €304,450.
The hot and dry vintage in the finale led to rather ripe wines for Chardonnay, which will gain in expression through vinification and ageing in barriques in the coming years. With few exceptions, the samples from the two warmer terroirs, Méditerranéen and Autan, were spicy and round. In the Terroir Océanique, more complexity came into the wines. The Haute-Vallée once again proved to be the most exciting terroir of Limoux due to its minerality. The Élémentaire Pinot Noir from St. Polycarpe was convincing.
The charity auction Toques & Clochers has taken place every year on Palm Sunday since 1990 and is one of the most important events in the French wine industry. adé
