1892 Drinks of the world

CLASSICAL WINES.

Roman.

— Galen's Opinion — Dessert Wines

— Colu-

other Wines

Falernian, Caecuban, and

—

— The Roman Banquet

mella's Receipt

'ihe

Supper of Nasidienus — Wines mentioned by Pliny made of Figs, Medlars, Mulberries, and other Fruits. Op Roman wines the Campania Felix boasted the most celebrated growths. The Falernian, Mas- sican, Caecuban, and Surrentine wines were all the pro- duce of this favoured soil. The three first of these wines have been, as the schoolboy (not necessarily Macaulay's) is only too well aware, immortalised by Horace, who doubtless had ample opportunities of forming a matured judgment about them. The Caecuban is described by Galen as a generous wine, ripening only after a long term of years. The Massican closely resembled the Falernian. The Setine was a light wine, and, according to Pliny, the favourite drink of Augustus, who perhaps grounded his preference on his idea that it was the least injurious to the stomach. Possibly Horace differed from his patron in taste. He never mentions this wine, which is however celebrated both by Martial and by Juvenal — Dedication of Cups