Commanderie du Bontemps Flashcards
How many members does the Commanderie have?
350 members of the Commanderie, +10K Commandeurs d’Honneur around the World, Le Grand-Mâitre is currently Emmanuel Cruse
From when does the history of the Commanderie date back?
A religious order founded a church at Benon, near Saint-Laurent Médoc in the Middle Ages. Vine husbandry, winemaking, and trade quickly became the principal resources of these soldier-monks and peasants. They also advised, assisted, and protected the winegrowers
In the history of the Commanderie, which important historical events happened in 1959 and 2000?
In 1959, the Graves brotherhood merged with that of the Medoc to form a single Commanderie and in the same year, the Commanderie du Bontemps de Sauternes et Barsac was founded. In 2000, the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc et des Graves and the Commanderie du Bontemps de Sauternes et Barsac formed a single unit.
What is a “desquet” in Gascon language?
Named after Jean–Odule Paulin d’Esquet and constitutes a bowl to beat the egg whites for fining the wine. A “bontemps” in French and one of the emblems of the Commanderie
What is the “ornamental clasp”?
This is the symbol of the Bontemps Order with its initials encircling a “desquet” bowl. It is worn on all the Commandeurs’ robes and is presented to all the Commandeurs d’Honneur at the end of the investiture ceremony
What purpose does the investiture ritual have?
A ceremony held each year to welcome new Commandeurs d’Honneur, active ambassadors of the region’s wine. They must be sponsored by one or more established Commandeurs. The ornamental clasp is presented to each new member after the ceremony. Known in French as “intronisation”
Who was Grand-Maître from 2001-2008, and who followed?
Jean Michel Cazes 2001-2008, then Emmanuel Cruse 2008 onwards.
What is “La Saint Vincent” and how is it celebrated?
The patron saint of winemaking celebrated in January (22/1) with a large procession to the Cathédrale Saint-André. Followed by a mass celebrated by l’Archevêque de Bordeaux, blessing of the vin nouveau, a large party including the traditional “intronisations” i.e. investiture ritual. Often 600-1000 persons participate
In the history of the Commanderie, which important historical events happened in 2009?
The Commanderie celebrated its 60th anniversary
Who proposed the “bontemps” as emblem of the Commanderie?
Henri Martin, Grand-Maître 1969-1991 of Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc et des Graves
What is “le Ban du Millésime”?
A rather new tradition founded in 2000. Large gathering of négociants and foreign customers and press in March/April to present the new vintage over a dinner
What is “la Fête de la Fleur”?
Tradition established in 1959 celebrating the floraison of the vines representing the hope for the future wines - quantity and quality. Takes place in June with more than 1500 persons invited, in 2013 at Ch. Lagrange, St. Julien
Which year did “la Fête de la Fleur” not occur, exceptionally?
In 1968 due to the events in Paris
What is “la Fête des Vendanges”?
Based on “le Ban des Vendanges” where a fixed date for starting the harvest was required. No longer the case.
When was LBBC founded?
In 2002 as “20 sur vin” and in 2012 as LBBC
