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Apparently it is a quote from Herodutus, so the reference dates back a long way but that does not necessarily mean it is true:

http://skepticalphilosopher.blogspot.com/2009/09/persian-str...

To be fair, they held on their own for centuries of constant warfare with Greco-Roman civilization, which at certain times consisted of the largest, most powerful political entities.

Pity today's Iran is rather more strict about it. In Teheran, can only get alcohol legally in the Armenian community centre, AFAIK: red wine, white wine, or vodka.