Decanter’s Asia contributing editor buys giant white truffle

Decanter’s contributing editor for Asia, Jeannie Cho Lee, has bought a giant white truffle for €105,000.

Decanter’s contributing editor for Asia, Jeannie Cho Lee, has bought a giant white truffle for €105,000.

The 900g truffle was auctioned in the town of Castello di Grinzane in Alba in northern Italy.

Cho Lee made the bid via satellite link, paying €117 per gramme, lower than the rate of €133 per gramme paid at the same auction last year, AFP pointed out.

The Hong Kong-based critic told Decanter.com she would be enjoying the truffle with a small group of friends this Sunday – and added that the price she paid was ‘not logical’ as it was purely for charity.

‘The price paid was not for the truffle but for the Hong Kong-based charity, Mother’s Choice. They have done amazing work in Hong Kong helping babies, children and young girls in times of need.

‘As a mother of four girls, this charity is very close to my heart. I have supported Mother’s Choice for many years in various capacities so buying the truffle was really a reaffirmation of my ongoing support for a wonderful charity.’

In the same auction, Italian businessman Antonio Bertolotto bought three truffles for a total of €108,000. One would be donated Pope Benedict XVI, he said.

Written by Decanter.com staff