1891 Drinks à La Mode by Mrs de Salis

DRINKS A LA MODE

76

so as to strengthen the product of a weaker vintage. ' The Mendings practised by French merchants have not for their object an imitation of the leading growths of their vineyards, but simply to correct defects in particular samples, or to obtain by this means a quality that will suit the consumer at a price less onerous than that demanded for the finest quality. 'The difference between good and genuine high-class wines and those so mixed is sometimes such as to make the latter preferred by those who judge from primary and transient impressions.' In all good wine tartar precipitates itself in the form of small crystals ; it does not render it cloudy nor does it impart any bad taste, but helps to sustain it in good condition. The Care of Wine. Wines of strength intended to mellow in the wood should be put into the largest barrels, but those of delicate and light growth should be stored in smaller vessels, and should be bottled as soon as they attain a suitable condition, for they do not gain anything by remaining in the cask. The preservation and amelioration of wine in bottle depends upon its maturity in the wood and its freedom from all mucilaginous impurities. The requisite time to bring them to their perfect maturity is proportionate to the needed time for their complete development. When wines cease to deposit, they cease to improve and begin to deteriorate. Those that are in perfection at the