Wine Spirits
Wine Names
The nomenclature of wines is an interesting though somewhat controversial subject. Some anglicised words have become generic, but the use of geographical names of one country by another remains a matter of debate. Examples of anglicised words are Claret, Hock, Burgundy and Sherry. A recent British Court judgement on Sherry states that there is no Sherry other than that produced in Jerez. The expressions, British Sherry, South African Sherry, Cyprus Sherry, Australian Sherry and Empire Sherry, however, are allowed to be used because they had been in use for a lengthy period without objection. On the other hand Chablis and Sauternes, which are French place names, are sometimes used by other countries to denote a type of wine, but, if clearly labelled, this does not deceive the consumer.
Wine in the United Kingdom
For a long time in the United Kingdom, wine, owing mainly to high Customs Duties levied by the Government, was drunk only by a privileged minority, but since the reduction of Duties, mainly on Table (or Beverage) Wines. In 1949, consumption has increased enormously and spread through all classes of society.
With this increase in the number of consumers, the spread of knowledge of wine among those Whose task it is to purvey the goods to the public becomes all the more important.
Enjoyment of Wine
For the full enjoyment of wine, the eye, the nose and the palate all come into play: the eye to appreciate the colour; the nose to savour the aroma, and the palate for enjoyment of the taste. Thus wine should be drunk at leisure, when full enjoyment can be derived by all the senses. Fine wines should be sipped rather than gulped, although some of the cheaper varieties may be quaffed.
The Perfect Wine Goblet Gift
I think in the gift’s industry crystal wine goblets are overlooked somewhat as gifts when in fact I think of them as one of the most useful presents to give. When you receive a present, you want it to be expensive looking, useful and extravagant. But when you give a gift yourself you rarely want to splurge out on the hundreds of dollars that would usually require. So clearly the perfect gift is the one that is moderately priced but still appears glamorous as well as useful.