The Jurade dates back precisely to 8 July 1199, when the Falaise Charter was signed by John Lackland, confirming the rights of the burghers of Saint-Emilion to administer their town and the freedoms and privileges that accompanied them. 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" was 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. Several chancelleries have been opened abroad: London and York in England, in Flanders and Wallonia for Belgium, and in Texas for the whole of North America.

Composed of a maximum of 54 Jurats, it is run by the Conseil de la Jurade which has 12 members:

- the Premier Jurat (the leader)

- the Procureur Syndic (the Jurade's spokesman) and his deputy

- the Clerc (secretary general) and his deputy

- the Grand Argentier (treasurer) and his deputy

- the Grand Vinetier (in charge of the Jurade's wine cellars) and his deputy

- the Marguillier (master of ceremonies and head of protocol) and his deputy

- the Honorary Premiers Jurats

UNIFORM AND INSIGNIA

The uniform is a simple red robe with a white, pleated jabot, white turn-ups at the bottom of the sleeves a white cape and hood. The Jurats wear a red toque. The Premier Jurat's robe is faced lengthwise with ermine on the front. If the Jurats do not wear their robe, on their shoulder they will have the red and white sash bearing the Jurade medal.

 

INDUCTION CEREMONIES

At its induction ceremonies, the Jurade awards the following honours:

  • Protecteur de la Jurade (Protector): a special title reserved for Sovereigns, members of reigning families and Heads of State.
  • Pair de la Jurade (Peer): this title is reserved for very important persons from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, literature, the arts, agriculture, the military, and so on.
  • Grand Aumônier, Aumônier and Prieur de la Jurade (Grand Almoner, Almoner and Prior): these titles are awarded to ecclesiastics mainly in charge of religious events.
  • Dame de la Jurade (Dame): this title is given to any lady the Jurade wishes to honour
  • Prud'homme de la Jurade (Counsellor): the Jurade may decide to award the title of Prud'homme to personalities in wine-related professions, such as negociants, brokers, merchants, hoteliers, restaurateurs, sommeliers, vintners and buyers.
  • Vigneron d'Honneur (Honorary Winegrower): this title goes to other personalities that the Jurade wishes to honour.

The Jurade has several thousand members, all of the ambassadors for the wines of Saint-Emilion around the world.