DNA from 2,000-Year-Old Grape Seeds Points to Origins of Modern Winemaking

Scientists have mapped the most extensive genetic history of grapevines from a single site using DNA extracted from 2,000-year-old grape seeds. Found in ancient wells in Tuscany, these seeds from the Roman era suggest that vineyards were integrated into the empire's advanced agricultural systems, potentially shaping the development of modern winemaking.

The research, led by the University of York, focused on seeds discovered at Cetamura del Chianti, an archaeological site with Etruscan, Roman, and medieval Italian history. Between 300 BC and 300 AD, inhabitants dropped grape pips into deep wells, where they were preserved in oxygen-free mud. "We sequenced the DNA of 80 seeds and found a remarkable story of continuity," stated Dr. Oya Inanli, co-author of the study.

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We sequenced the DNA of 80 seeds and found a remarkable story of continuity.

Analysis revealed that most seeds belonged to a single variety passed down from the Etruscans to the Romans and maintained for centuries. Genetic testing also determined the color of these ancient grapes, indicating that the dominant, long-lived clone produced white berries. This finding surprised researchers, as the Chianti region is now renowned for its red Sangiovese wines. "What a delightful surprise to learn that the world-famous red wine of today was actually preceded by a white vintage that was curated and maintained for centuries in Etruscan and Roman times," commented Nancy De Grummond, a professor at Florida State University involved in excavations at the site.

Following the Roman conquest, new grape varieties appeared at Cetamura, suggesting the introduction of vines from other parts of the empire. Genetic testing linked the dominant Cetamura vine to ancient grape seeds from southern France, providing biological evidence of long-distance agricultural networks across the Roman Empire that may have contributed to the standardization of wine production today.

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What a delightful surprise to learn that the world-famous red wine of today was actually preceded by a white vintage that was curated and maintained for centuries in Etruscan and Roman times.