Tastevins

The tastevin is a small, shallow cup traditionally used by sommeliers and winemakers to assess the colour and clarity of a wine by candlelight. Its dimpled base — alternating bowls and gadroons — captures the reflections of the liquid, allowing precise judgement of its hue. First appearing in France in the 17th century, it became an essential accessory of the bourgeois cellar and professional sommellerie in the 18th century, before evolving in the 19th century into a prestigious gift presented to winemakers and négociants during harvest celebrations. Burgundy is its historical heartland: the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, founded in 1934, has helped perpetuate its symbolic legacy.

The most sought-after pieces are crafted in solid silver, struck by Parisian or Lyonnaise goldsmiths whose names occasionally appear as maker's marks. Silver-plated copper or brass, more commonly encountered, relates to 19th-century production intended for everyday professional use. Certain silversmithing houses such as Puiforcat, as well as regional Burgundian craftsmen, produced finely chased models adorned with hand-repoussé vine leaf and grape cluster motifs.

For the collector, the legibility of the hallmarks — assay mark, guarantee mark, and maker's mark — is the primary criterion for authenticity and dating. The surface condition deserves careful attention: the gadroons should be crisp, free from dents or clumsy repairs. An engraved signature or armorial cartouche adds a historical dimension that further enhances the documentary interest of the piece.