Nevertheless the ancient writers offer scant details of ancient vinification methods, and therefore this theory, though plausible, remains unsupported by evidence. Identification and Creation Object Number 1960.343 People The Curti Painter, Greek (440 - 430 BCE) Title Bell Krater (mixing bowl for wine and water): Dionysos with Satyr and Maenad Death of Orpheus Classification Vessels Work Type vessel Date c. Such wines would have also withstood time and the vagaries of transportation much better. by using dehydrated grapes, and could withstand dilution with water better. Since such mixtures would produce an unpalatable and watery drink if applied to most wines made in the modern style, this practice of the ancients has led to speculation that ancient wines might have been vinified to a high alcoholic degree and sugar content, e.g. The master of ceremonies at the symposium, or drinking party for men, determined the ratio of wine to water, both of which were poured into a large mixing bowl, like this one. The Greeks diluted their wine by blending it with water. Attributed to a Member of the Earlier Mannerist Group. Ancient writers prescribed that a mixing ratio of 1:3 (wine to water) was optimal for long conversation, a ratio of 1:2 when fun was to be had, and 1:1 was really only suited for orgiastic revelry, to be indulged in very rarely, if at all. Column-Krater (Mixing Bowl) about 460 BCE.
Drinking ákratos (undiluted) wine was considered a severe faux pas in ancient Greece, enough to characterize the drinker as a drunkard and someone who lacked restraint and principle.