On the Nature of Elven Wines (An Essay)
Torech Besruth, Falathlorn, Lindon
39 Quellë in the Reckoning of Imladris
At the recent gathering of houses and friends at Torech Besruth, the conversation swirled round the hall in a tapestry of laughter and talk. At the High Table, one such stream of talk dealt with the subject of wines. I afforded my guests the various stocks of my wine pantry, and the company discussed the nature of my collection and the virtues of the wines I had accumulated over the long years. This essay on Elven wines shall recall somewhat of those conversations and discuss the nature of wines which can be found in the Elven demesne of Lindon.
The principal vineyard to be found in this region is, of course, Limael’s Vineyard, nestled in the highlands between Celondim and Duillond. The vintner, Brethilwen, is a friend of passing acquaintance, and from her I have gained much insight on the making and preparation of wine, and the nature of Elvish viniculture in general.
Brethilwen explains that the two chief ‘labels’, as she refers to the particular types of wines offered, are Celondim and Duillond, named for the villages where her wines are in greatest local demand. The Celondim label, she states, is offered as either Celondim White, or Celondim Red; this refers to the wine’s color and is displayed by its label as well.
But the premiere brand of wine that Brethilwen creates, almost elevated to an art form, are the variations of the Duillond vintages. With these wines, she says, there is more variety and subtlety with each selected grape, type of fruit additives, and how the wine is allowed to ferment. The Duillond labels are of four categories, which are as follows:
The first is Duillond White, a clear white wine with a pleasant dry but slightly sweet flavor. It is considered an every-day table-wine vintage by Elven standards. Duillond White is prepared and bottled every season, is very popular and nearly universally available throughout the region and has the distinction of being gentle enough for Mortal tastes.
The next in potency is considered to be Duillond Red, a more robust version of White but with a bright red tint. Duillond Red is a sweet wine, a seasonal vintage, and just as available as White. Duillond Red, however, is a stronger wine than White and, though considered a gentle wine by Elves, is considerably stronger to the tongues of Mortals.
The third in the label family is Duillond Gold, a vintage almost too strong for Mortals, and a very strong drink even by Elvish standards. The Gold Label wines are a little more rare and less available than White or Red, owing to the higher standards of select grapes and preparation the discriminating vintners demand. Duillond Gold is laid down only every other year, because the selection process only allows enough materials for a biennial vintage. In appearance, Duillond Gold is similar to White, but is of a deeper yellow tint and sweeter taste, as well as a thicker texture.
The best is mentioned last, and that distinction belongs to Duillond Black, the premier creation and magnum opus of Lindon viniculture. Black Label wine is an art form of the highest standard possible. The strict selection of grape and addition of another fruit (a secret which Brethilwen guards like jewels), combined with the excruciating lengths in preparation and bottling, means that only two bottles of this vintage are laid down any decade, so it takes sixty years to produce a full case. Duillond Black is an extremely potent wine; it is rumored that the purveyors of Dorwinion Red curse in envy at the mention of Duillond Black. It is the rare Mortal of any race who can finish even half a glass of this dark beverage.
In the Elvish custom, wine connoisseurs will present these beverages with meals or celebrations of every occasion based on both types of foods the wine’s flavor complements, or the personal tastes of the host. It is considered a social rule that White or Red labels, either of Celondim or Duillond, are served with most every day occasions and enjoyed at most social events; all four wines of this type can be found in kitchens and sculleries as cooking wines as well. Duillond Gold is a more distinctive wine, and is usually found at special events or festivals, intimate gatherings, or served with the intention of making impressions of social status.
Duillond Black, by virtue of its rarity and extreme potency, is rarely if ever served as a meal complement, and never used in cooking. Its very nature demands the most exclusive occasions, and the black label can be found as a presentation gift, either in a diplomatic situation or as part of a unique and special event, such as a wedding or betrothal feast. Many Elvish houses will find themselves in possession of a black bottle, handed down as a family heirloom, displayed but never drunk.
(NOTE: It is an unspoken tradition among the Elves of Mithlond that those who depart the Havens and sail to the Undying Lands will be presented a farewell gift of a bottle of Duillond Black by the most beloved of those staying behind; therefore, untold numbers of bottles, it is said, await those who seek the Havens. More cannot be said of this matter.)
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