In Rome and Ancient Greece, people who drank undiluted wine were considered barbarians. For the first time, this “wildness” was seen by the Spartans when they met with the Scythians. Subsequently, the Greeks began to call the use of pure wine “drinking the Scythian way”. In modern European wine-growing countries, wine is also diluted with water, but not as often as before. We will consider cases where adding water is appropriate.
In ancient times, the role of wine was somewhat different than it is now. For example, among the Greeks, due to the lack of drinking water, it was wine that was the main drink to quench their thirst. Only the sick and children were allowed to drink clean water. Everyone else was content with diluted wine.
The Romans stored wine in a thickened form, since their vessels – amphorae, could not ensure tightness and complete preservation of liquid wine. Before use, the jelly-like consistency had to be diluted with water, this was considered the crown of culture. The inhabitants of Ancient Rome believed that other peoples (including the Greeks) drink wine undiluted. Times have changed, but the tradition has remained, acquiring new meanings.
Why dilute wine
This is currently useful in the following situations:
1. Thirst quenching. The most popular reason. White grape wines diluted 1:3 or 1:4 (1 part white wine to 3-4 parts water) are ideal.
2. To reduce the strength and sweetness. After proper mixing with water, the wine is easy to drink and does not cause strong intoxication. Many homemade wines turn out to be too sweet (the inability to check the sugar content and acidity of the juice affects). The addition of water neutralizes the cloying taste.
Sweet homemade wines should be diluted immediately before drinking, otherwise they may spoil.
3. In folk medicine. Hot red wine has a warming effect and is used to treat colds and coughs. To do this, a bottle of red wine is diluted with 200 ml of water, 6-7 clove buds, 2 tablespoons of honey and nutmeg are added to taste. The mixture is brought to a boil and simmered for 60-90 seconds. In fact, it is mulled wine with a healing effect.
Due to the evaporation of alcohol and the presence of water, the prepared drink turns out to be low-alcohol. To treat a cough, drink one cup of hot red wine 2 times a day.
4. For religious purposes. During the Sacrament of Communion, Orthodox priests give parishioners diluted Cahors. Also, by mixing with water, its quality is checked.
To do this, 1 part of Cahors is diluted with 3 parts of water. After 15 minutes, the drink is tried. High-quality Cahors must retain its color and aroma, the surrogate immediately becomes cloudy and begins to smell unpleasant.
Rules for diluting wines
1. Use only boiled, spring or distilled water.
In Argentina, it is customary to dilute red and white wines with sparkling mineral water in a ratio of 1:3. It turns out a drink that resembles sparkling wine.
2. The volume of wine must be less than water.
3. According to the European tradition, red wines are diluted with hot water, white – with cold.
4. You can add water to sweet, semi-sweet, dry, semi-dry and dessert wines. Diluted fortified wines lose their flavor completely.
5. Water is poured into wine, not the other way around.
By following these simple recommendations, you will get a low-alcohol drink that will delight you with its light taste.