lrd (11/03/82)
A bota (Spanish wine-skin) is made from leather (typically goatskin, but other types are also used). In contrast to the plastic-lined type commonly available in this country, authentic botas have no lining. They are made with the hairy side of the leather on the inside, and the seams and stitching are sealed with pitch. Wine put into a new (uncured) bota is not fit to drink. While living in Spain, I heard a discussion on the best way to cure, or prepare, a bota. The conversation flowed rapidly, in Spanish, and I missed a lot of it, but it seems that the algorithm is a multi-step procedure. Some of the steps include a saturated solution of salt water, congnac, and wine soaks, for various time periods, but I don't know all the steps nor the sequence. I have a couple of botas which I would like to cure. Can anyone point me in the right direction? My local public library has not been able to come up with a reference yet. Thanx in advance L. R. DuBroff (ih1ap!lrd) BTL IH