First Standard (950/1000) Solid Silver Wine Taster or Tastevin, Louis-Joseph Thomas, Paris, 1798-1809
Stamped "PR"
The history of wine tasting dates back thousands of years, originating alongside the development of winemaking itself. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans not only cultivated vineyards but also placed great emphasis on the sensory evaluation of wine. Roman philosophers and writers, such as Pliny the Elder, documented wine characteristics and the importance of its quality. During the Middle Ages, monks in Europe played a vital role in refining wine tasting as religious orders meticulously studied vineyard conditions and quality for sacramental purposes. By the eighteenth century, wine tasting began to emerge as a more formal practice, with sommeliers becoming specialized experts in evaluating and pairing wines. Today, wine tasting has evolved into an art form and a science, combining sensory analysis techniques with a deep appreciation of wine's cultural heritage. The appropriate styled vessel is essential to the experience. Enter the tastevin.
The tastevin is a small, shallow silver cup traditionally used by wine professionals, particularly sommeliers, to evaluate wine. Originating in Burgundy, France, during the seventeenth century, the tastevin was designed to maximize the reflection of light within the wine, aiding in assessing its clarity and color in dimly lit cellars. Its ridges and circular indentations serve a functional purpose, allowing the taster to observe the wine's hues and viscosity with precision. Though modern lighting and tools have made the tastevin less of a necessity, it remains a symbolic object in the world of wine tasting, symbolizing tradition, expertise, and a deep connection to the history of winemaking.
Measurements
3/4" height, 3" top diameter of bowl, 4" width. 1.77 troy ounces.
