Description
Vinegar was wine that had fermented to the point of becoming sour. It is supposed that this drink was produced by making the grape juice ferment artificially, for instance, by adding barley or some bacterial agent.
Translation
Mixed with water, sour wine or wine vinegar was a popular drink among soldiers and workmen since it was cheaper than wine, and good for quenching thirst. Without water, it would be very strong and intoxicating, and could even cause unconsciousness.
“Sour wine” is sometimes rendered “bitter wine,” “sour juice,” or simply “sour drink.”