1913 Straub's Manual of Mixed Drinks by Jacques Straub

0F 'MIXED DRINKS

155

roso, Basto or Fino, although being made from the same grapes and all receiving the same treatment. Amontillados are extremely dry, and of wonderful flavor. Oloroso has a pronounced nutty iiavor, darker in color, and heavier body. Basto is the cheapest grade, and not generally shipped. In very good years a few casks of wine are kept for the purpose of blending with wines produced in inferior seasons, this imparting to them iiavor and body. Wines kept in storage for this purpose are known as “Soleras,” which themselves are replenished by wines from perfect vintages only. Sherries, possessing a large amount of alcohol, greatly improve with age, and a properly matured old Sherry is unquestionably the peer of any wine. Genuine Sherry, on account of its freedom from acid ity and sugar, has great dietetic value. By those who suffer from indigestion, exhaustion, sleeplessness, and general debility, Sherry, properly' used, will be found a wonderful tonic. MADEIRA. The island of Madeira is the largest of а. group belonging to Portugal about five hundred miles southwest of Lisbon and is known for its excellent quality of wine. The grapes mostly cultivated in the production of Madeira are the Malvasia, Vidogua, Sercial, Mus catel, Alicante, Negiamal, and Batardo. The process of making Madeira wine is the same as applied in the making of Sherries.