Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Credit: Juan Manuel Román
In a significant discovery, archaeologists unearthed a Roman tomb in Carmona, Spain, containing a remarkably preserved funerary urn filled with white wine.
Credit: Juan Manuel Román
This ancient discovery now claims the title of the "oldest wine ever discovered," surpassing the previous record held by the Speyer wine bottle dating back to the fourth century AD.
The tomb, discovered in 2019, safeguarded the urn from environmental factors such as floods and leaks, maintaining the wine's pristine condition.
Credit: Juan Manuel Román
Chemists from the University of Cordoba, led by Professor José Rafael Ruiz Arrebola, conducted rigorous chemical analyses to authenticate the liquid's identity.
Credit: Juan Manuel Román/University of Cordoba
Their findings were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, detailing the extensive research and testing methods employed.
Credit: Juan Manuel Román
Initial surprise turned into confirmation as tests ruled out other liquids and identified specific biomarkers, including polyphenols, characteristic of wine.
The burial revealed insights into Roman funerary rituals and societal norms, highlighting gender-specific customs related to wine consumption.
The wine's mineral composition aligns with wines historically produced in the former province of Betis, particularly Montilla-Moriles wines.
Credit: Carole Raddato
The discovery not only enriches our understanding of ancient Roman burial traditions but also provides a glimpse into the evolution of winemaking practices over millennia.
Credit: Juan Manuel Román