Term (also auction, licencing) for the auctioning of products or goods of all kinds to the highest bidder. Auctions have always been a special type of wine trade. Even in ancient Rome, special wines such as the famous Falernian were auctioned off. In the Middle Ages, buyers also travelled to the producers to meet their needs on the spot. Until the 17th century, wines were mainly auctioned in barrels until bottling became the norm. The Bordeaux wine trade in particular, with England as its main customer, led the way. In Germany, it became customary to auction certain wines in the 18th century.
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The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena