“La Connétablie” of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux: promoting the reputation of wines

Insiders will tell you: discretion and reputation are not incompatible. “La Connétablie” of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux is an example. Since 1952, it has been part of the five appellations making up the “Confrérie” of Guyenne. Its twenty-five “Connétables”, permanent members and volunteers, are continuing the tradition of quality and authenticity of the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, in France and abroad.

A brief history of “La Connétablie” of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

 The “Connétablie’s” origins date back to 1152 at the time of the second marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine with Henri II Plantagenêt, future King of England. To continue collecting passage dues, the Queen decided to establish “Connétables”. Customs officers representing her. Furthermore, the traditional costumes used today date from this period: a black robe, with red facings for red wines and yellow facings for white wines. A black hat, braided with red and yellow scalloped cording. A medallion bearing the “Connétables” insignia on the chest. Since then, the role of “Connétables” has evolved to become what it is today: to ensure the tradition and reputation of the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.

“Connétables”, as active as ever

 The “Connétables” work like a fraternity. “Connétables” must not only be operating winegrowers, but must also be chosen from among their peers. Winegrowers retain this title for life. Currently, twenty-five winemakers are “Connétables” of the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. At the head of the organisation: the Grand Master. For one and a half years, Emmanuelle Miller of Château des Tourtes, has held the role. This daughter and granddaughter of winegrowers is “proud to represent the appellation around the world”.

Alain Giresse, initiated into the “Connétablie” of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

 For the posterity of “Connétables”, there is nothing like initiating celebrities into the membership. The so-called “candidates”. The fraternity system is also practised here: to have the duties and the honour of promoting Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux wines, one of the members of the “Connétablie” must first proposes your candidacy. Since its creation, 500 people have been initiated. Among them, Marius Trésor the former defender, Benoît Dauga, the rugby player, the singer Nicoletta and even former minister Jean-Pierre Chevènement.

Alain Giresse is also one of them. The ex-international footballer and midfielder, icon of FC Girondins de Bordeaux was initiated on the 16^th June 1983.

“it seems normal to me to make a contribution, I was born  right next to Langoiran. Of course, I don’t walk around with a “Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux” signboard, but each time I have the opportunity, I bring up the region and the quality of its wines. Sometimes I give advice and especially I say and I repeat: this appellation of wines enables us to drink very enjoyable vintages.”

Alain Giresse, former footballer

Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux “Connétables” are being exported globally

St. Petersburg, Moscow, New York, London, Bristol and also in Asia and Africa. There are about sixty Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux “Connétablie” annexes. They are called “commanderies”. The Grand Master establishes them. The next one will be based in Beirut, Lebanon. It will be called the “commanderie from Beirut to Bordeaux”. It is also thanks to its initiated winegrowers in the four corners of the world that the appellation continues to build its reputation.