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peppermint are generally popular. The Princess preferred a brew of grated ginger root steeped in hot water, which has particular cleansing and detoxifying properties, and is good for settling the stomach.
    WINE
     
    There is much snobbery attached to wine, and most of us feel out of our depth when presented with a very long wine list or faced with endless rows of bottles in the local wine store. The main thing to bear in mind is that drinking wine should be an enjoyable and pleasurable pastime. Experienced wine-tasters often use terms like ‘bubble gum’, ‘biscuity’, nutty’ and even ‘petrolly’ when describing their favourite vintages, but please don't be alarmed by these descriptive words. Be confident in your own taste and sample different wines, as this way you will learn what is most appealing to you and your palette.
    As a general rule, wine should look clear. However, older wines especially red varieties may contain sediment and will need decanting before serving. One of the simplest ways to choose the right wine with the particular characteristics that you like is to look at the label and recognize the grape variety.
    WHITE WINES
     
    CHARDONNAY An easy variety of grape to grow and one which produces the most popular and fashionable of wines, Chardonnay grapes grow all round the world. Some familiar names might be White Burgundy, Chablis, Meursault and Montrachet. The latter is one of my favourite white wines, and one which is versatile enough to serve throughout a meal. It is often aged in oak barrels and has a distinctive dry, vanilla taste. Serve this crisp, clear wine to accompany richer fish and white meat dishes, or simply enjoy its unique qualities as a pre-dinner aperitif.
    GEWÜRZTRAMINER I associate this grape with Germany as Gewiin in German means spice, although it is also produced in other countries. The German wine is bottled in tall, brown, slim bottles, and tastes full and fruity. It may be too fruity and sweet for those who prefer the drier Chardonnay. This wine would typically be served at lunches or with the first course at a dinner. Try serving it with the Rosemary Bread Cases with Fennel and Egg Fricassee recipe on page 122, or with the Victorian Dinner on pages 92.
    MUSCADET The Muscadet grape lends its name to a classic wine which is grown almost exclusively in the Nantes region of the French Loire Valley. It is very dry, light and crisp with little ‘bouquet’, and it is drunk whilst young. Ideal to accompany plain fish and white meat dishes, or enjoy as an early evening refreshment.
    MUSCAT This grape is grown throughout the wine regions of the world and is associated with sweet, sticky, rich after-dinner wines. It should be served as cold as possible to accompany puddings and sweets. The honeyed French Muscats of Beaumes de Venise are probably the most famous example. Perfect to serve with the Tipsy Ratafia Trifle on page 126, or the Pears in Port Wine with Cinnamon Ice Cream on page 97.
    RIESLING This sweet wine is bottled similarly to Gewurztraminer. It has a musky aroma and a citrus aftertaste. Serve with plain fish and white meat dishes.
    SAUVIGNON BLANC Generally produces a dry, crisp fruity wine with a sharp acidity. Famous examples include the group of French wines Sancerre and Pouilly-FumÉ. Ideal to serve with rich fish and white meat dishes. Try it with the Small Fishcakes with Lemon and Sorrel Sauce on pages 92 – 93.
    RED WINES
     
    CABERNET SAUVIGNON Most famous of all red grapes, grown worldwide. The wine produced is medium to full-bodied and inky red in colour. It is an excellent accompaniment to spiced rich red meats with sauces or gravy. The best clarets in the world are made from this grape and the wine is aged in oak barrels for 15 – 20 years. This gives a spicy, vanilla flavour to the wine, The aroma is unmistakably that of blackcurrants. Ideal with the Roast Beef on page 94.
    MERLOT Famous in the Bordeaux region of France, well-known Merlot wines include St.