The Rosenborg wine
The Rosenborg wine is always served at the royal New Year's banquet. Those who have tasted it typically describe the taste as somewhat peculiar. But that matters less when you know the history behind the infamous wine, which has been served at royal events for centuries.
The Rosenborg wine was first served at the royal New Year's banquet in 1598. The Rosenborg wine served today is still based on Christian IV's Rhine wine from the late 1500s.
Golden drops on the move
The Rosenborg wine was originally bought by Christian iv and placed in the cellar of Nykøbing Castle, the residence of his mother, Queen Dowager Sophie. He enjoyed having a good glass of wine when he visited. Today, the three oldest wine casks – dating from 1598, 1599 and 1615 – are on display at Rosenborg Castle. The base of the wine is Rhine wine; according to tradition, it comes from Bacharach on the Rhine river in Germany. Christian IV's wine remained at Nykøbing Castle after the death of Queen Dowager Sophie, in 1631, and after the death of Christian IV, in 1648.
Carried off by the Swedes
This changed in the summer of 1659, when the Swedes heard of the excellent wine and carried off the casks as spoils of war. However, the golden drops were not destined to be enjoyed by Denmark's arch enemy, Sweden: enroute to Stockholm, the wine was recovered by a Danish privateer, crewed by Copenhagen citizens, and brought back to Denmark.
After the casks had been recaptured, they placed in the wine cellar under Copenhagen Castle. In 1731, they were moved to Christian IV's favourite residence, Rosenborg Castle. By 1982, the old wooden casks had become so battered that the wine was transferred to steel tanks and bottles. Thus, the old wooden casks from the 16th century, which were briefly in the possession of the Swedes, are now empty.
Famous and infamous
For several hundred years, the Rhine wine in the casks was replenished with other sugar-free wines to ensure that the character of the original wine was maintained, until it finally became so tart that it had to be served with a bowl of castor sugar to take the edge off. Later, Prince Henrik developed the wine, and today, reportedly, the taste of the Rosenborg wine has improved. It is still somewhat peculiar but drinkable – a little like a dry sherry. Even though it is served every year at the New Year's banquet and other very special royal occasions, the Rosenborg wine will easily last for another 300 years.