Italy and wine’s age old connect

Italy and wine have gone hand in hand for centuries. Until recently, it was believed that the love affair began 1,300 years ago. However, researchers have now discovered that there may be evidence that the relationship dates back as far as the fourth millennium BC.

Large Copper Age pots have been found in Sicilian caves where traces of wine were discovered. This is “‘earliest discovery of wine residue in the entire pre-history of the Italian peninsula,” according to a research team from the University of South Florida.

The team also analysed the storage jars in the Monte Kronio limestone caves in the Sciacca harbour, which is located along the southwestern coast of Sicily. These pots still remain intact and residues of tartaric acid and sodium salt, which occur naturally in grapes, were found in them.

Davide Tanasi, the head archaeologist for the project said, “Unlike earlier discoveries that were limited to vines and so showed only that grapes were being grown, our work has resulted in the identification of a wine residue.” The research is now on to discover as to whether the wine is red or white.