Beverages de Luxe (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ...not be overlooked that the real work occupies a space of time of two and one-half to three years, and each bottle is handled from 160 to 240 times, and has been under the diligent care of careful supervision continually; and the easiest and most pleasing operation is the last, that of popping the cork to-the ceiling, and toasting all your friends to a long life and a merry one. W RODUCING some 2,000 different varieties of wine, the most noted Brandy distilled from wine, and various liqueurs based on wine, France stands to-day foremost among the nations as a wine country. Its vineyards are innumerable. It has not attained this point of supremacy so easily, however, as the story of the vine in France pictures many difficulties and hardships, the vineyardists struggling against all manner of discouragement. In fact, throughout the entire history of this country, the story of wine-making is closely interwoven, and, at some of the most critical times in its history, the part played by the vine was important. Yet, strange to say, the vine was not native to France, but according to best authority, was introduced there during the sixth century, B. C. It was with the advent of the Christian Church, however, that the planting of vineyards became universal in France, and its more glorious history then began. Indeed, the monks are largely responsible for the popularity of wine drinking, making and selling it themselves, and have given to the world some of the more popular varieties. But, to-day, the position of France as a wine-making country is unquestioned, and this is one of the country's most important industries, and is so recognized to such an extent that the Government has become paternalistic in regard to it. For example, a law adopted...