In 1963, the Vaudois Winegrowers' Association created an award regulation for the best wines of the canton of Vaud(Switzerland). Only wines that meet the AOC requirements are admitted. However, even a faultless growth does not automatically receive the award, because the assessment or award criteria are far more stringent. The wines are tasted blind and analysed according to strict specifications with 25 criteria exclusively sensory (i.e. not chemical). These are divided into three main groups: Vue (appearance) with 1, Nez = Nose (nose = smell) with 10 and Bouche (mouth = taste) with 15 criteria. For each criterion a score of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 can be given. Particular emphasis is placed on character and typicity of origin (appellation) or terroir and grape variety, as well as ageing potential.
The wine tastings are carried out by a panel of oenologists and other experts with strict conditions. The jury's decisions are made on the basis of a precise tasting sheet. The tasters never get to see the bottle, not even covered. They are only told the grape variety and appellation. The assessment is made by secret ballot, and discussions take place only after the bulletins have been handed in. The jury consists of five tasters who are chosen in turn from 35 experts. In order to prevent routine and to guarantee the greatest possible impartiality, it is composed differently each time. Since Terravin was founded, this concept has been constantly improved. A course on sensory analysis is held every year for the tasters. The Terravin office works closely with the Changins technical college to research the cause of the reduction aromas that are more frequent in Chasselas wines in particular.
Originally, only white wines made from Chasselas were permitted, but since 1998 they have also been open to red wines and other specialities. Among other things, the intensity of colour, aromas, minerality, freshness, complexity, volume and length of finish are evaluated. Ultimately, less than five percent of Vaud's wine production is awarded the "Lauriers d'Or Terravin" (engl. Golden Laurel of Terravin). This is usually half of the 180 or so wines presented each year. The "best of the best" - the "Lauriers de Platine Terravin" - are one step above. These are the 16 best "Lauriers d'Or Terravin" of the year. The tasting is completely different. It is a hedonistic, very subjective tasting by 30 oenologists, sommeliers and specialist journalists.
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