Savoring Ambrosia: Exploring Ancient Rome's Celebrated Wines

A Day in the Life of a Roman Wine Connoisseur

Hello, fellow oenophiles! It's a fine day here in Rome, and as the sun sets on our glorious city, I can't help but imagine the glistening goblets of wine that are filling up in households and taverns across the empire. You know, the kind of wine that makes you feel like Jupiter on a good day. So, let's talk about that today, the nectar of the gods, the true ambrosia - our beloved Roman wines!

Bacchus' Blessing

As the saying goes, in vino veritas, and truth be told, wine is a staple in our Roman life, just like togas and gladiator games. It's consumed with meals, offered to the gods (Bacchus, anyone?), and used as a social lubricant in our gatherings. But do you know your Caecuban from your Falernian?

The Caecuban, my dear wine-lovers, is a rare and rather treasured delicacy. A native of the region of Caecubum, south of Rome, it's known for its heady, full-bodied flavor. A sip or two of this, and you'll feel like Augustus at his coronation.

Falernian: The Cream of the Crop

And then there's the Falernian, the crème de la crème of Roman wines. It's the kind of wine that makes a statement. Drinking Falernian is like riding a gilded chariot - it commands respect. Harvested from the vineyards on the fertile slopes of Mount Falernus, it's known to be the strongest wine in existence. Aged for a decade or two, it achieves a sweetness that can rival Venus herself. But beware, it's not called the "wine of the volcanoes" for no reason - overindulgence can result in more than just a nasty hangover!

The Many Faces of Wine

But Roman wine isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience. From the initial harvest to the diligent aging process, it is a labour of love and devotion. And let's not forget the amphorae, our beautiful terracotta containers. These aren’t just functional, they’re an art form. The markings on them tell the tale of the wine – where it comes from, when it was made, and who made it.

So, the next time you raise a goblet, take a moment to savor the rich history swirling around in there. Feel the sunshine of the vineyard, the toil of the harvest, the patience of the aging process, and the journey from the amphora to your lips.

In the end, our wines are to be cherished, and the way we Romans do it is a testament to our adoration for the fruit of the vine. So, here’s to us, to Rome, and to the divine nectar that is wine! In the words of Pliny the Elder, "ex Africa semper aliquid novi" - always something new out of Africa (or in our case, out of a Roman vineyard)!