The Confrerie

Presentation of the Confrérie

The only Confrérie to win the European Grand Prix de l’Art de Vivre, the Confrérie of the Entonneurs Rabalaisiens is considered one of the most important bacchic confréries of France.

It intends to perpetuate the teachings of its master François Rabelais, humanist and truculent writer of the joy of life, and also to celebrate the virtues of the wines of Chinon during the grand chapitres. 

The Confrérie holds a solemn chapitre four times a year under the immense vaults of the famous Caves Painctes.

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confrerie les entonneurs rabelaisiens chinon celebration vertus des vins de chinon
confrerie les entonneurs rabelaisiens chinon celebration vertus des vins de chinon

Medal bearing the likeness of Rabelais, constant references to his thoughts and his humanism, evocation of Gargantua in the text of the diploma …. Rabelais does not figure as a guest with the Entonneurs but as the master of the place.

 

Therefore, the language employed by the Confrérie must honor him. For the greatest happiness guests are encouraged to come and revel, as well as to indulge in ample feasting and copious drinking.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.

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History

It was in the spring of 1961 that the red and gold costumes of the Confrérie of the Entonneurs Rabelaisiens appeared in the Cave Painctes, sponsored by the Chantepleure of Vouvray.

The purpose of the Confrérie is the promotion of the wines of Chinon, but also beyond that, the town and the region as well as the promotion of the teachings of Rabelais.

What chance for the Confrérie to be able to be inspired by Rabelais! In any case, strengthened by these certainties and assumptions which generally make history blend with tradition, the Confrérie of the Entonneurs Rabelaisiens is the only one which can legitimately claim the master and reveal his state of mind.

Today, the Confrérie is made up of more than 70 members in France and a German delegation.    

Organisational chart

Members of the association

Jean-Max Manceau
President
Bernard Château
Vice-president
Gérard Bruyez
Treasurer

Members of the board of directors

Jean-Pierre Andréani
Daniel Béquin
Jean-Pierre Blanchard
Pierre Ferrand
Gilles Loiseau
Michel Monamicq
Nadine Page
Christian Planchenault
Albert Puype
Alain Riot
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Presentation of the Wine

« Le vin est ce qu’il y a de plus civilisé au monde » F. Rabelais.

 

The wine of Chinon, arrived in our regions more than a thousand years ago during the era of St.Martin of Tours. Notably one finds traces of it in writings of the IVth. Century.

 

Situated in the heart of the Val de Loire, which presents the greatest diversity of wines in the world with 800kms of wine routes and 38000 hectares classed as AOC and 50 appellations, the vineyards of Chinon absolutely do not resemble any other. A cultural and historical strong hold, Chinon and a great part of its vineyards, are classified as a Unesco world patrimoine site because of its exceptional cultural heritage.

 

The humanist François Rabelais praises it in his works notably in the Vth. book.   

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« Wine is the most civilised thing in the world. »
F. Rabelais

Rabelais presentation

François Rabelais was born at La Devinière in 1494, close to Chinon, where he passed his childhood. He died in 1553 in Paris.

 

Educated by the Benedictine monks and then the Franciscans, he studied law, medicine, mastered Greek and Latin and became a writer and philosopher. Rabelais is one of the best known of the Renaissance humanists, his works reflect the joy of life, the knowledge and the understanding inspired by places close to Chinon.

 

He is the greatest ambassador for his land of birth. He wrote moreover “Chinon, Chinon petite ville au grand renom, assise sur pierre ancienne, en haut le bois et au pied La Vienne » (Chinon, Chinon little town of great fame, sitting on ancient stone, above the forest and at its feet the Vienne).