The tastevin, a small silver cup used in winemaking and wine tasting, was developed in ancient times to assess the color, clarity, and maturity of wine. While it is now mostly considered for show, traditional winemakers and some wine professionals still use it for its intended purpose. The cup is typically made of polished silver and can be purchased at specialty wine accessory stores or online.
A historic tool used in winemaking and wine tasting, the tastevin is a small silver cup or saucer. Developed in the 300s before the common era, the flat cup has traditionally been used to assess the color, clarity and maturity of wine. In modern times, this little piece of gear is generally considered for show.
In ancient times, without the advent of modern enlightenment, a special shallow cup was needed to accurately view and judge wine. Each small bowl was multifaceted, allowing light to reflect the visual properties of the wine. The amount of wine in the cup was also ideal for assessing the taste of the wine. Using the small container, however, is not considered suitable for the wine’s smell.
While relish could be used simply to taste wine, its usual function was in the winemaking process itself. Winemakers have used them to control the ripeness of each wine during the aging process. A glass of wine itself could not be used in the darkness common to underground cellars. In this lightless environment, such a reflective tool was an optimal assessment tool at the time.
French Burgundy winemakers designed the original concept for evaluating wine by candlelight. The name of the tool is of French origin and translates to “wine tasting”. The winemakers created the dish with a convex bottom and many ridges, or indentations, to capture as much light from the candles as possible. The surface of the taste has also been polished to make it as shiny as possible, while also acting as a reflective stand.
Fully referred to as the taster wine tasting cup, this instrument is sometimes worn around the neck, similar to a necklace. In such cases, the cup is mounted on a ribbon or chain. Some wine professionals, sommeliers and general connoisseurs wear them in modern times as a symbol of their affection for the ancient drink. Traditional winemakers may also continue to use the taste for its intended purpose.
Round marcs are typically made from some type of metal. Polished silver is a common medium for the instrument. The cheaper varieties are made of stainless steel or aluminum with a silver plating. Some tasters claim that the container spoils the taste of the wine by adding an unpleasant metallic taste.
Most of these saucer-like cups can be had for a good price. Some collectibles may cost more. Items can be purchased at specialty wine accessory stores as well as online stores or auctions.
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