Have you ever wondered what became of the lands of Mordor in the Fourth Age? I certainly have. I got a valuable clue today.
The climate of Ithilien is like Italy’s, so the other side of the Mountains Until Recently of Shadow would be like the Adriatic coast. The soil would have been covered with volcanic ash. After a few years of rainfall, it would be fertile again, and it would be packed with the minerals plants love. We know that volcanic soils in Italy grow excellent wine grapes. Maybe the inhabitants of the Black Land could take up viniculture?
Well, after a trip to the wine store, I can report that’s exactly what they did.
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I don’t know what exactly this “Pape” refers to. It’s not in any of my elvish glossaries, and Sindarin doesn’t have many “p” words anyway. Must be something invented later. Anyway, it’s perfect for toasting Bilbo’s birthday.
Oh, all right
The word “mordoré” means a golden-bronze color with metallic highlights. Just the thing for autumn. The wine is dry and light, which is what I want from a Rhône.
The company is all women, and organic.
Søri
You, Sir, are a many-talented polymath. But I repeat myself.
Stephen Winter
I would love to share a bottle with you, Joe.