Measure sugar and water into a clean pan, heat gently until sugar dissolves.
Add wine, lemon rind and cinnamon, bring to the boil, covered, and boil for 1 minute.
Peel pears but leave the stalks on.
Cut a thin slice off the bottom so that they stand upright.
Place pears in a clean casserole, pour syrup-wine mixture over, cover and stew gently in a moderate oven for 20-30 minutes until tender but not mushy.
Baste frequently while cooking.
Remove pears and stand upright in a serving dish.
Strain liquid into saucepan, cool slightly.
Blend arrowroot with a little cool liquid, stir into liquid in pan and bring to the boil stirring continuously.
Pour over pears and sprinkle with almonds.