Definition: amours de la bouteille

The cupbearer first pours himself a little wine to taste it. At the same time, he removes any impurities that may have come from the closure; this tradition dates back to the time before corks were used, when closures were made from other materials such as wood, straw, oil, etc. If he finds it suitable, he then serves the guests a clean wine in turn, before returning to the love of his life, to whom he serves "les amours", the last drops of the bottle, which have all the virtues, bring good luck and mean a great deal.