The Fellowship has returned — in wine form. Three years after The Hobbit was released, Lord of the Rings is partnering with Lot18 to launch an official line of wines. Wine often makes an appearance in Lord of the Rings scenes, particularly as a favored beverage in the Elven kingdom, so launching an actual wine seems like a natural next step.
Of course, if you’re going to serve Lord of the Rings wines, you must do so in true LOTR fashion: paired with a delicious meal. We’ve matched each wine to its ideal dish, straight out of Middle Earth Recipes.
2015 Aragorn Appellation Lussac-St. Émilion Contrôlée
Naturally, the most full-bodied red wine went to king Aragorn. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec, this wine is rich and powerful. Tasting notes include plenty of dark fruit (black cherry, black currant, plum) balanced by some coffee and herbal notes giving a more savory twist. Pair it with Balin’s Spiced Beef. ($25)
2016 Frodo Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel (LOTR)
Bright, vibrant and fruit-forward: a Lodi Zinfandel is the perfect choice to represent Frodo’s youthful character. Tasting notes include “blackberry, fig, plum, spice, raspberry jam.” Bold enough to stand up to some roast mutton straight out of the Shire. ($20)
2016 Gandalf Monterey County Pinot Noir
In an ideal world, we probably would have picked a more aged, mature wine for Gandalf. But given the price constraints from Lot18, a Pinot Noir is also a logical choice. Just as Gandalf is full of subtleties and complexities, this earthy Monterey Pinot Noir brings aromas of mushroom, raspberry, strawberry, and forest floor. Makes a nice match for some turkey with Cranberry Tomato Chutney. ($20)
2016 Galadriel Bordeaux Blanc
Of course, the most enchanting and powerful of the Elven ladies is represented by a white wine. Bordeaux Blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and sometimes smaller amounts of Muscadelle. This particular wine boasts refreshing flavors of citrus peel, grapefruit, and lemongrass, with a zesty minerality on the palate. Would make a lovely aperitif for an afternoon in Rivendell, or as a companion to some of Bilbo’s lemon tea cake. ($18)
Learn more or buy a bottle at lot18.com/lordoftherings.