On March 20, 2026, Gillian Tinney was both delighted and deeply honoured to be invited to join the ranks of Dame de la Jurade de Saint-Émilion. This prestigious title is awarded to women acknowledged as ambassadors for Saint-Émilion wines, marking a significant recognition of their dedication and passion.
The Intronisée Ceremony
Gillian’s formal induction—known as intronisée (literally ‘enthroned’)—was conducted by the lovely Sabine Silvestrini from Château Chereau. The ceremony involved donning red and white robes decorated with fur trim, a tradition that highlights the solemnity and honour of the occasion.
This official ceremony and title are part of the historic 12th-century brotherhood, the Jurade, which was revived in 1948. Dames de la Jurade, along with their male counterparts, are responsible for promoting the traditions, values, and quality standards of Saint-Émilion wines around the world. They work in collaboration with Vignerons d’Honneur and other officials.
Among the Global Ambassadors and notable members who champion these exceptional wines worldwide are Jancis Robinson MW, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and Raymond Blanc.
The Jurade: History and Purpose
The Jurade, whose motto is ‘Always loyal to Saint-Émilion’, was originally founded in 1199 by King John Lackland. Historically, the Jurade governed the city, but it now functions as a wine brotherhood dedicated to safeguarding the reputation of Saint-Émilion wines. The Jurade is a guardian of tradition and heritage, embodying values such as respect for history, conviviality, and community spirit, while also adapting to the evolving times. Click here to learn more.
Saint-Émilion: A Celebrated Wine Region
Saint-Émilion, a historic UNESCO World Heritage site located on Bordeaux’s right bank, is renowned for producing some of the world’s most acclaimed Merlot-based wines. Click here to learn more about Bordeaux.
Gillian truly appreciates these wines for several distinct qualities: their accessibility, which allows both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to enjoy them; their elegance, reflected in their refined character; their noteworthy ability to age gracefully over time; and their exceptional versatility when paired with a variety of foods. Together, these attributes make St Emilion reds a favourite in Gillian’s wine repertoire.
Ceremony Evening and Tastings
The memorable evening began with tastings of Saint-Émilion wines (of course), followed by a welcoming glass of Champagne before the ceremonial proceedings. After the induction, over 120 attendees enjoyed a gastronomic four-course meal, each course paired with a ‘three-flight’ wine tasting where the winemakers and/or vineyard owners who are also Jurats were in attendance. Engaging and diverse conversations flowed just like the excellent wines, making the evening thoroughly enjoyable for all.
Featured Wines and Producers
The evening showcased a range of exceptional wines and producers, with Gilian’s personal favourites highlighted * below.
Starter Flight:
- L’Égérie du Château Chereau 2022 Lussac Saint-Émilion *
- Château Guibeau 2022 Puisseguin Saint-Émilion
- La Grande Cuvée Dourthe 2022 Saint-Émilion
Main Flight:
- Château La Mariotte 2020 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
- Château Cantenac 2020 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
- Château Rozier 2016 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru *
Cheese Flight:
- Château Lanoite 2016 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
- Château Guadet 2015 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
- Château Chauvin 2015 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé *
wineschoolofexcellence.co.uk 