One theory suggests that it was used as a preternatural cure for ailing victims of disease. Another theory suggests it was confused with something a certain Greek scholar (who, incidently, also is mistakingly known as something else) had exclaimed at a dinner party 550 years ago. What is it, who was the scholar, and how specifically is it related to a Shakespearean character?

zbeckabee

The time frame would work for Basilius Bessarion who is mistakenly known also as Johannes Bessarion due to an erroneous interpretation of Gregory Mamme, however I'm having a rough time fitting the other details. Legend would have it that Patriarch Bessarion, who came to Florence for the *Ecumenic Council* in 1430, was responsible for attributing the word arista to loin of pork. After tasting this dish, the Byzantine cleric apparently showed his appreciation by exclaiming "Aristos", which means "the best" in Greek. Betcha big money this isn't the right answer... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilius_Bessarion http://www.florence-concierge.it/earticoli/ebanchetto.html Nov 19 07, 10:56 PM

peasypod

Yup, you're right, that isn't the right answer zbee, honey. ;) However, you got the Greek dude, so work with it and I'll shout you a drink in the end... Nov 20 07, 12:30 AM

zbeckabee

Vinsanto del Chianti -- "This is a special wine with a thousand year story behind it, which goes back to the Middle Ages. A wine which has traditionally always been used during the Mass, but also a miraculous drink for the ill. About the Vinsanto, the story goes that in 1349 (???), at the time of the Ecumenical Council in Florence, the Greek patriarch Bessarion, drinking what was known as vin pretto, exclaimed "This wine is from Xanthos!", possibly alluding to the famous Greek passito of Thrace. Hence the name Vinsanto." On the outside chance that this is correct...Shakespeare anyone? http://www.firenzeturismo.it/en_EN/wine/the-wine-in-the-province-of-florence.html Nov 20 07, 5:57 AM

zbeckabee

Vinsanto -- Vincentio? Measure for Measure/Taming of the Shrew. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Shakespearean_characters:_L-Z#V Nov 20 07, 10:25 AM

peasypod

Ok, you have vino santo. Now, concentrate a little further and think about the composition of the wine and that should get you to British royalty... Nov 20 07, 6:58 PM

zbeckabee

I'm exhausted. How about Vin Santo -- Malvasia grapes -- Malmsey -- Richard III: Duke of Clarence (Richard III) "The pitiful Clarence is wrongfully arrested and jailed in the Tower by his brother, Richard. One night as he awakens from a terrifying nightmare, two henchmen sent by Richard burst into his cell. Clarence pleads for his life but one of the assassins stabs him. To ensure Clarence is dead, the first murderer drowns him in a "malmsey-butt", a cask of sweet wine also containing the severed heads of two hogs." http://shakespeare.about.com/library/weekly/aa110800d.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_III_%28play%29 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvasia#Malmsey http://www.tonyaspler.com/pub/articleview.asp?id=16&s=5 Nov 20 07, 8:11 PM

peasypod

Well done zbee. I'm a pain, yes, but aren't you left feeling that glow now? Nov 20 07, 10:31 PM

zbeckabee

Yes, indeed! Thanks much for the challenge!!! Nov 20 07, 10:34 PM