WORLD TRUFFLE AUCTION

RECORD-BREAKING 2005 AUCTION AT GRINZANE CASTLE
PROCEEDS TOTALLING 182,900 EUROS
 
A TRUFFLE WEIGHING 1.2 KG GOES TO A BIDDER IN HONG KONG FOR 95,000 EUROS

All records were broken during the VII edition of the World White Truffle of Alba Auction. Bidders in three different locations - Grinzane, London and Hong Kong - paid out a total of 182,900 Euros. The finest lot, weighing 1 kg 200 grams, was sold to a bidder in Hong Kong.
Once again this year leading personalities were attracted to Grinzane Cavour Castle by the special appeal of the Truffle and of an event which has proved to be exclusive and to have a great promotional impact.
The President of the Regional Enoteca, Senator Zanoletti, and the President of the Region of Piedmont, Mercedes Bresso, were joined for the occasion by Alessandro Perissinotto, Giada De Blanc and the television presenter Giancarlo Magalli.
Davide Paolini led the Auction for the seventh time, assisted by the beautiful Natalia Estrada.
 
The title of "Ambassador of the White Truffle of Alba in the World" was awarded in London to Alberigo Penati, the great chef of the exclusive Harry's Bar, and in Hong Kong to Umberto Bombana.
Senator Tomaso Zanoletti, President of the Regional Enoteca of Grinzane Cavour and creator of the Auction, expressed his satisfaction: "The 2005 edition has once again shown what an absolutely extraordinary event the Auction is. The truffle has proved to be an outstanding tool for publicizing and promoting our area, as well as being the focus of an event which has been able to do so much for charity".
The proceeds of the Auction will be donated to three different organizations: the Candiolo Cancer Research and Care Institute in Italy, Mother’s Choice in Hong Kong, and the Hands and Hearts Foundation in London.