Iora

Latin name (also Lora or Lorca) for the pomace wine of the Romans. It was a cheap and low-quality mass drink, which Pliny the Elder (23-79) called "Vinum operarium" (worker's wine). It has been handed down 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, who pressed their own grapes with purchased marc. The pomace (press residue) produced during pressing was mixed with water and pressed again after a day. This is why the wine was also called "Vinum secundum". The low-alcohol result was a wine substitute that was also affordable for poorer circles. Since the iora could turn into vinegar very quickly, it had to be consumed quickly. If this did happen, the liquid was used to produce 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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Iora

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