See under basement cat.
Cats have always liked to stay in vaulted cellars or wine cellars because of the mice that live there. According to an often told (but not factual) story, the house cat always sits on the best wine barrel in a cellar and licks away the drops that are spilled when the wine is taken out of the bunghole. A cat figure was therefore often placed on the best barrel in order to prevent the staff or servants from tapping some of it for themselves. There is also a Swabian saying that goes: " Give me some of the same...
There is a vast number of sources on the web where one can acquire knowledge about wine. But none has the scope, timeliness and accuracy of the information in the encyclopaedia at wein.plus. I use it regularly and rely on it.
Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen