Iora

Latin name (also Lora or Lorca) for the pomace wine of the Romans. It was a cheap and low-quality mass-produced drink that was described by Pliny the Elder (23-79) as "vinum operarium" (labourer's wine). It is recorded from the household of the famous politician Cato the Elder (234-149 BC) that his slaves were first given iora after the harvest before they were allowed to drink real wine. Iora was also very popular with the Roman military, with the soldiers pressing the wine themselves using purchased marc.

Water was added to the pomace (press residue) produced during pressing and pressed again after a day. This is why the wine was also known as "Vinum secundum". The low-alcohol result was a wine substitute that was also affordable for poorer circles. As the iora could quickly turn to vinegar, it had to be consumed quickly. If this did happen, the liquid was used for the production of posca (a vinegar water). The German terms Lauer, Leier, Lorka (Lorcka) and Lurka (Lurcka) for marc are derived from Iora or Lora. See also Ancient wines, Satyricon (famous banquet) and Drinking culture.

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