Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, the Brotherhood of the Knights or honorable people of Tastevin is a French wine fraternity in Burgundy, whose aim is to promote the image and marketing of wines from Burgundy abroad in particular. Her symbol is the Tastevin, a historic wine tasting bowl of silver. Headquarters of the Brotherhood is Château du Vougeot.
History
1934, at a time when the Burgundy wine had significant sales worries, they were looking for new ways to revenues, and thus to increase yields. It was the desire to arouse the interest of the tourist wealthy clientele, so they should go to Burgundy to celebrate and experience with musical events, drama and lectures cultured joy. On the initiative of Camille Rodier and Georges Faiveley, two winemakers from Nuits -Saint- Georges, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin was founded on the eve of the wine auction of the Hospices de Beaune in the Château de Vougeot.
The Brotherhood expanded continuously since then outside of Burgundy. In 1939, the first North American Commandery was founded in New York - there are now in the U.S. alone 41 Sous- Commanderies with about 2,400 members (as of 2009). Worldwide, the total number of Chevaliers has increased on all five continents to over 12,000.
The Tastevin
The Tastevin ( wine taster ) is a small, shallow cup- like shell into which a small sip of the wine to sample end is poured. The reflective metallic surface, its relief-like, ornate decorations make it possible to subject the wine color and density of a test. The Tastevin is supported by the Chevaliers on a leather thong around his neck and is always in all the festivities of the Brotherhood at hand.
Customs
The Brotherhood commits in July, on the first of the three glorious days of Burgundy, the Trois Glorieuses, their meeting with the introduction of new members, many words, and - of course - a tasting of the best wines of Burgundy current and old generations. In January, she organized the festivities around Saint -Vincent tournante.
One can not join the Brotherhood itself, but is advertised and introduced by guarantor. In general, the confreres are well-known wine producers and dealers from Burgundy with possession of vines in a Grand Cru terroir. Or one is a politician, artist or a celebrity, which is believed to be close is Burgundy and the Burgundian wine and objectives of the Brotherhood with its membership promotes, by promoting Burgundy and its wines and for the French culture and way of life.
Wines will be awarded from the result of the tastings, which subsequently on their label with the term " Tasteviné " ( tasted by the Brotherhood ) may advertise. The advertising vigorous " Tasteviné " label affects - in Germany more than in France - price from increasing.