The first in a several-part series of episodes in which I discuss my own favorite stories, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, by pairing the major wine regions of Europe with different places in the journey through in Middle-earth.
For these first episodes, and especially the Tolkien-themed ones, I've tried to compile a list of what I recommended (and also get to add some stuff I forgot when recording). So, to start of here's what we were drinking during this episode:
2015 Domaine Rochette Morgon Côte du Py
Some wine terms we discussed in this episode:
-Terroir, Old World v. New World wines
Emma talked a lot about The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil. Follow the link to purchase it on Amazon, or look for it at your local bookstore!
This Episode's Journey:
The Shire~ Bordeaux (Claret)
-Look for wines labeled "Entres deux mers", they're usually a great value
-The 5 First Growths, or Premier Crus, of Bordeaux are:
Château Mouton Rothschild (Check out the section on the Paintings for the Labels to see an awesome tradition of wine and art intermingling)
Trolls~ Cahors
-Malbec in France! Believe it or not that's where the grape originated. And look for:
Rivendell~ Tuscany
-Ultimate vacation spot! For white wines look for Vernaccia di San Gimignano
-San Quirico Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Goblintown~ Sherry
-Solera system, many levels, many different types (Manzanilla, Fino, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Cream, Pedro Ximenez)
Gollum’s Caves- Muscadet
-Misunderstood; most think it’s sweet when actually one of the driest wines. Great with seafood!
-Domaine Landron ‘Amphibolite’
Beorn's House- The Rhône Valley
-Split personality: Syrah v. Grenache, North v. Southern Rhône
Mirkwood- Priorat
-One of my chosen “Forest Wines”.
Laketown: Provence
-What else but rosé to drink by a lake?
-Aix
The Lonely Mountain- Chablis
-Domaine Pattes Loup (btw, it means "Wolf's Paws", photos of my collection below)