tastevins or wine tasters, as they are known by collectors of wine antiques, are shallow, often dimpled, saucers used for tasting by professionals (and occasional self-conscious amateurs). Because they were usually used in a cellar, or on purchasing journeys where robust construction was essential, they were almost invariably made of silver. The earliest English references to tasters date from the 14th century but only a single extant example pre-dates 1600. British tasters mostly copy the bordeaux model, being 65β110 mm (2.5β4.5 in) in diameter with sloping sides, a domed base, and lacking a handle. Extremely rare tasters were made of glass or porcelain, usually Worcester.
Become a Premium Member to access this page
Unlimited, ad-free access to hundreds of the worldβs best cookbooks
Over 150,000 recipes with thousands more added every month
Recommended by leading chefs and food writers
Powerful search filters to match your tastes
Create collections and add reviews or private notes to any recipe
