Féret wine guide history up for grabs as ‘Bordeaux bible’ plates go on sale

Bordeaux enthusiasts are being offered the chance to snap up a piece of Féret history, as the original plates used to illustrate the famous Bordeaux et Ses Vins guide go on sale in Paris later this month.

A complete set of 588 original copper plates, used to illustrate various 19th century editions of Bordeaux et Ses Vins will be auctioned by Artcurial in Paris on 18 December.

The illustrated guide, referred to as ‘the bible of Bordeaux’, was first published in 1850, and is considered to be the most comprehensive volume on Bordeaux and its wineries.

The individual copper plates, made between 1850 and 1908, have pre-sale estimates of €150-2500. The whole collection is expected to fetch €300,000.

Laurie Matheson from auctioneers Artcurial, told decanter.com that initial interest ‘has been huge.’

‘The Féret guides revealed the past glory of Bordeaux. We’re selling the memoirs of Bordeaux.’

‘We’re expecting all sorts of bidders – from people who own castles, and historians, to wine producers and collectors. It’s French viticultural history.’

Bordeaux et Ses Vins is currently in its 18th edition.

New video: How to Analyse Colour, with Steven Spurrier

Follow us on Twitter

Written by John Abbott