1910s Jack's manual by J A Grohusko (3rd edition)

Ine classed growths are sold under their name, Chateau Yquem being the '^-'t and probably the best known. But simply as sauterr 'irsac, bommes, preignac, etc., wines of the highest grade -e sold and fetch high prices, the greatest care being bestowed on the small vineyards. as on the large ones. Sauternes — of succeeded vintages — are delicate in flavor, of a pale golden color, mellow, rich, bordering on sweetness, and have a fine, agreeable bouquet; they are hygienic, not heady, and merit the description of perfection in white wines. Dr. Mauriac, of Bordeaux, says in one of his works: "The great Sauternes white wines, which are of a relatively high alcoholic strength, are both tonic and stimulating; consumed moderately, they are invaluable to convalescents after a severe illness or when it is necessary to revive an organism attenuated by high fever, hemorrhage, or long fatigue. They are perfect as dessert wines and one or two glasses at the end of a meal facilitate digestion and provoke gaiety. BURGUNDIES The wines produced in the Province of Burgundy, situ- ated in eastern France, viz., in the Cote d'Or, between Macon, Beaune and Dijon, rank among the best burgundies. They contain more tartrates and tannin than clarets, and are al- together heavier in body and aroma. The best known cheaper qualities are Macon, Beaune and Beaujolais, and their names indicate generally the district of their growth. The better wines are Romance, Canti, Pommard, Chambertin, Nuits and Clos De Vougot, and the best known white wines are the Chablis. The red burgundies are recommended as blood-making wines, especially in cases of general or local anaemia. This ancient province, one of the largest and finest of France, embraced before the revolution of 1789 territory which has since formed the Ain, Cote d'Or, Saone et Loire and part of the Yonne departments. The Dukes of. Burgundy were powerful and played an im- portant part in French history; by marriage they had become masters of most of the Dutch provinces. The wealthy Neth- erland cities contributed to the embellishment of those of Burgundy and the influence of Dutch art is to be detected in many of the architectural beauties of the province. On the other hand, the inhabitants of Burgundy introduced their wines into Holland and it may be said that from that time their great reputation outside France dates. Even nowadays Belgium and Holland are amongst the most fervent admirers and largest consumers of Burgundies. Taken as a wine growing country Burgundy extends along the railway line from Sens to Villefranche and includes Beau- jolais which, although part of the Rhone Department, pro- duces wines of the same character, and not at all like those of the Lyonnais district to which it belongs administratively and geographically.