There is more to Bordeaux than fine wine. The region is also renowned for the storied wine brotherhoods championing these wines. Comprised of connoisseurs and influential people involved in the economy of their city or region, Commanderies act as embassies for Bordeaux wine around the world, promoting its excellence.

Currently, there are 96 Commanderies de Bordeaux based in 27 countries. The U.S. alone has commanderies in almost every major city, including New York (which has the largest membership), LA, Detroit, Miami, Seattle, and Washington. In total, there are 39 chapters in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Mexico, and more are added all the time.

Each chapter organizes its own events and develops its own strategies for promoting Bordeaux wine in convivial environments. Chapter leaders come together several times yearly to share best practices and to host vignerons from Bordeaux. Other activities include vineyard field trips in the USA and France, blind wine tastings and seminars, and gala dinners.

Last week, part of the Westgarth Wines team attended the Fête du Bontemps at Château Guiraud which hosted over 1,000 people and marked the end of the Primeurs week and the beginning of the international release of the 2023 vintage.

The evening began with an aperitif featuring Château Guiraud 2015, a Sauternes paired exquisitely with tartare de gambas carabineros, caviar osciètra, and a passion fruit condiment and gelee de tête, alongside a bisque d'oursin.

The main course presented a robust pairing of Domaine de Chevalier 2014 and Château Calon Ségur 2012 with salmis de pigeon, accompanied by a tourte de pommes de terre truffée aux cuisses confites. These red wines, noted for their structured tannins and deep berry notes, were a flawless match for the rich, gamey pigeon, enhancing the earthy truffle flavors.

A sophisticated cheese course featured Saint-Nectaire fermier en texture, prune pâte and Comice pear, paired with Château Mouton Rothschild 2009. The wine’s layered and opulent notes harmonized with the creamy, nutty cheese, creating a refined balance.

The dinner concluded on a high note with an Imperial of Château Guiraud 2005 paired with parfait praliné agrumes, kumquats confits and miel soufflé, showcasing the Sauternes’ luscious sweetness against the bright citrusy dessert.

The Fête du Bontemps at Château Guiraud is a celebration of En Primeur and the enduring legacy and ongoing innovation within the Bordeaux wine community. This event highlighted the Commanderie's commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation and broader knowledge of Bordeaux wines across the globe, promising continued celebrations of this rich heritage in the years to come.

The origins of the Commanderie du Bontemps can be traced back to the Middle Ages, initially associated with religious orders committed to vine husbandry and winemaking. After a period of dormancy, the brotherhood was revitalized in 1949 and expanded in 1959 with the merger of Médoc and Graves, later incorporating Sauternes and Barsac in 2000. Today, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine brotherhoods in France, dedicating itself to the promotion of wines from Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, and Barsac without commercial interests.

The Commanderie is renowned for its grand events that are deeply entwined with the cultural fabric of Bordeaux's wine society. Each year, it organizes the Fête de la Fleur and the Ban du Millésime, which are among the most anticipated events in the wine calendar. These events not only celebrate the new vintages but also serve as ceremonial occasions for the investiture of new Commandeurs. These ceremonies are marked by traditional rituals where new members pledge to uphold the winemaking tradition of Bordeaux.

As a non-commercial entity, commanderies play a pivotal role in promoting the wines of its regions to an international audience. This is achieved through various initiatives, including hosting wine tastings, educational tours, and international wine competitions.

These activities not only foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Bordeaux wines but also help maintain high standards within the wine industry. The commanderies’ efforts ensure that Bordeaux wines remain at the forefront of the global wine industry.

Want to read more? Take a look at some of our other blogs:

• • The origins of En Primeur
  • Collector's corner: back to the classics
  • Discover Saint-Estèphe in six wines