The story of the famous wine-protecting brotherhood, the Jurade of Saint Émilion, begins with the Falaise Charter in 1199…
From English Rule to Self-Governance
While Aquitaine was under English dominion for a 300-year period, King John Lackland of England (brother to the legendary Richard the Lionheart) signed the Falaise Charter. This landmark document signed on July 8th, 1199 empowered the citizens of Saint-Émilion to self-govern, exercise regulatory control, and manage the administrative affairs of their own town. This ultimately granted the inhabitants of Saint Émilion unprecedented influence over their community, particularly in matters related to their prized wine production.
In 1289, during the reign of Edward I, these rights were extended to the parishes of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion, where the name “Jurade” came from. The Jurade institution was a significant development that granted a form of semi-autonomy to Saint-Émilion, laying the groundwork for developing this world-renowned wine region.
The Guardians of the Grape and St-Émilion Wine Production
Because the wine trade was vital to the town of Saint-Émilion, the Jurade oversaw the production of “fine” wines, kept the branding irons that labeled every barrel (to limit forgery and abuses), and destroyed any wine that was deemed unworthy of the Saint-Émilion label! This was a crucial task as wine from Saint-Émilion gained global renown, requiring strict quality controls to uphold its prestige.
Revival and Modern Transformation
Revived in 1948 after being disbanded during the French Revolution, the current Jurade is mainly a promotional organization for the region’s winemakers rather than a regulatory body; that would be the INAO (Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité). Though its regulatory powers have diminished, the Jurade’s role in promotion and advocacy is crucial for maintaining Saint-Émilion’s status on the world wine map.
Annual Ceremonies: A Time-Honored Tradition
Every year, the Jurade announces “Jugement du Vin Nouveau” on the third Sunday in June and the “Ban des Vendanges” (the start of the harvesting) on the third Sunday in September. These ceremonies serve not just as traditional rituals but also as platforms to showcase the exceptional quality of wines produced in the region. They organize tastings and induction ceremonies worldwide for the greater glory and prosperity of the excellent wines of Saint-Émilion!
JURADE FACT: From the 3000 or so members of the Jurade, there are a few names that you might know, such as Prince Albert II of Monaco, Chef Philippe Etchebest, and even Jackie Chan… who knows, maybe one day we’ll be invited to join the Saint-Émilion brotherhood too!
Jurade: The Legacy Continues
Today, the Jurade is a living reminder of Saint-Émilion’s storied past and its ongoing commitment to quality wine production. In a world where wines are often mass-produced, the Jurade ensures that the heritage, craftsmanship, and excellence that have defined Saint-Émilion for centuries continue to thrive. And so, the Jurade remains not just an exclusive club or a ceremonial entity but a symbol of the enduring quality and reputation of the wines from Saint-Émilion.