|
 VINEXPO was not the only place where the French were honoring the Spring
season and the new wine! In fact, it happened all over the vineyards of
Bordeaux
and particularly in Saint Emilion, where the Jurade celebrated “La Fête du
Vin”. 
Let’s take a helicopter trip from VinEXPO and pay a visit to Saint Emilion…
Whilst we look at these beautiful pictures, let us tell you about the most
ancient and one of the most distinguished Wine Societies in the world, the
Jurade of Saint Emilion.
 The
Jurade dates back precisely to July 1199, when the Falaise Charter was
signed by John Lackland, son of Alienor d’Aquitaine and King of England in
the absence of Richard the Lion Heart. The Charter did confirm the rights
of the people of Saint-Emilion to administer their town with freedoms and
privileges concerning the growing and management of the vines. In 1289, in
the reign of Edward I, these legal, administrative and economic powers were
extended to the parishes of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion,
whence the name "Jurade".
The "Jurats" were in
charge of all Saint-Emilion's external affairs, dealt with internal
administration and justice and had police powers over the entire
Jurisdiction. On the wine front, the Jurade played a dominant role. It
oversaw the production of "fine" wines, kept the iron that branded every
single barrel, announced the "Ban des Vendanges" (the start of harvesting),
combated fraud and abusive practices and destroyed wine that was judged
unworthy of
 the name. All this continued until the Revolution, ensuring
prosperity for the town and firmly establishing the reputation of the wines
of Saint-Emilion, proclaimed the "King of Wines" in England and "Nectar of
the Gods" by Louis XIV.
Revived in 1948, the
current Jurade takes its inspiration from the charges and privileges granted
over the centuries. Every year, it proclaims the "Jugement du Vin Nouveau"
on the third Sunday in June and the "Ban des Vendanges" on the third Sunday
in September. All over the world it organizes tastings and induction
ceremonies for the greater glory and prosperity of the wines of Saint
Emilion. We had the privilege to attend the induction of Its
 Excellency
Craig Robert Stapleton, the Ambassador of the United States to France,
together with some other famous personalities of the world of fine wine and
yes, our CEO Michel Atlas!
 Let us listen to the
“Proclamation of the Judgment of the New Wine”, which is the sacred song of
the Jurade! It is quite something… |
