The specific gravity of the wine and the glass should
harmonize ; therefore all delicate wines should be taken
from the thinnest of glasses. This modern preference
for thin glasses has precedent in the passion of the an-
cients for particular wine cups. The " murrhine cup "
from which emperors and kings drank their Falernian
wine is noticed in writings which remain. Often the
cups were of finest glass from Egypt, or amber, flasks
made in Syria, amethystine cups, and vases of gold.
Some persons affirm that to really enjoy wine, a sip
of cold water should first be taken, after which the
taste will be at its best. One cannot but sympathize
with poor Sir Walter Scott, who, it is said, was singu-
larly insensible to tastes and odors. A perfect palate
is indeed a rare gift of nature. A healthy palate comes
from a healthy digestion, and is the best gift for judg-
ing the existing flavor of wine.
George the Fourth had so decided a preference for
171
A BACHELOR'S CUPBOARD
Correct Wines for all Occasions
sherry that In his day It was the favorite wine, and
nearly ousted Madeira from Its place In English tastes.
Gypsum sprinkled over the grapes while In the vat
saturate the malic acid and give sherry Its brown color.
Amontillado is the finest of sherries, and at Its prime
kept In wood for sixteen years. It Is too dry for the
taste of common wine drinkers, but Is one of the finest
growths In the world.
The best Madeiras have no tendency to acidity, and
the finest East Indian Madeira Is a wine that has
scarcely an equal.
Marsala, the favorite wine of Sicily, is excellent;
other Sicilian wines are Mazzara, Bronte, and Etna,
but Marsala Is more worthy and especially well adapted
for cooking, In Italian sauces.
The Rhenish wines are the purest and most whole-
some wines, say some experts. Most of them come
from the banks of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, In
Germany, and the variety Is legion. Genuine German
wines have a bouquet like the French, ,whlch Is In Itself
a mark of pure growth. The real golden Rhenish
wines, such as NIerstelner, Marcobrunner, and Riides-
helmer, are famous, while Johannlsberger and Gelssen-
helmer are perfect In delicacy and aroma. " Good
hoch," the German proverb runs, " keeps off the doc-
tor." It enlivens without Inebriating, strengthens and
warms the stomach pleasantly.
Burgundies are the finest red wines In the world for
delicacy, flavor, perfume, richness, and purity. A man
172
A BACHELOR'S CUPBOARD
Correct Wines for all Occasions
of discriminating taste will pay as much for Burgundy
as for champagne, and not hesitate to announce his
preference for the former.
Page 70
Presented as published in 1906. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
The specific gravity of the wine and the glass should harmonize ; therefore all delicate wines should be taken from the thinnest of glasses. This modern preference for thin glasses has precedent in the passion of the ancients for particular wine cups. The " murrhine cup " from which emperors and kings drank their Falernian wine is noticed in writings which remain. Often the cups were of finest glass from Egypt, or amber, flasks made in Syria, amethystine cups, and vases of gold.
Some persons affirm that to really enjoy wine, a sip of cold water should first be taken, after which the taste will be at its best. One cannot but sympathize with poor Sir Walter Scott, who, it is said, was singularly insensible to tastes and odors. A perfect palate is indeed a rare gift of nature. A healthy palate comes from a healthy digestion, and is the best gift for judging the existing flavor of wine.
George the Fourth had so decided a preference for
Correct Wines for all Occasions
sherry that In his day It was the favorite wine, and nearly ousted Madeira from Its place In English tastes. Gypsum sprinkled over the grapes while in the vat saturates the malic acid and gives sherry its brown color. Amontillado is the finest of sherries, and at its prime kept in wood for sixteen years. It is too dry for the taste of common wine drinkers, but is one of the finest growths in the world.
The best Madeiras have no tendency to acidity, and the finest East Indian Madeira is a wine that has scarcely an equal.
Marsala, the favorite wine of Sicily, is excellent; other Sicilian wines are Mazzara, Bronte, and Etna, but Marsala is more worthy and especially well adapted for cooking, in Italian sauces.
The Rhenish wines are the purest and most wholesome wines, say some experts. Most of them come from the banks of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, in Germany, and the variety is legion. Genuine German wines have a bouquet like the French, which is in itself a mark of pure growth. The real golden Rhenish wines, such as Nierstlerner, Marcobrunner, and Rüdesheimer, are famous, while Johannisberger and Geisenheimer are perfect in delicacy and aroma. "Good hoch," the German proverb runs, "keeps off the doctor." It enlivens without inebriating, strengthens and warms the stomach pleasantly.
Burgundies are the finest red wines In the world for delicacy, flavor, perfume, richness, and purity. A man
Correct Wines for all Occasions
of discriminating taste will pay as much for Burgundy as for champagne, and not hesitate to announce his preference for the former.