The Ancient wine world
If you like ‘old world’ wine, you’ll fall in love with the Ancient wine world
The history of wine is as ancient as civilization itself, interwoven with human evolution and cultural expressions. From the earliest evidence of grape fermentation in the South Caucasus, The Bekaa Valley to its cultural significance in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, the ancient wine world offers a fascinating glimpse into early societies' lives, economies, and rituals.
Origins and Early Practices
Recent study shows that the cradle of wine production goes back to 11.000 BCE in the Caucas region and what is now modern-day Lebanon. This period, the Neolithic Age is when humans transitioned from a nomadic existence to farming (a sedentary agricultural lifestyle). Archaeologists have uncovered pottery shards stained with wine residues
Pottery shards stained with wine residues have been uncovered by archeologists, pointing to some of the earliest known winemaking activities. In this region, the traditional ‘qvevri’ method, involving large clay vessels buried underground for fermentation, was developed and continues to be used today, showcasing an enduring legacy.
This winemaking practice gradually spread to surrounding regions, including Iran and Armenia, where similar artifacts have been found. These early winemakers discovered that fermenting grapes yielded a beverage that was not only enjoyable but also had preservative qualities, making it a valuable commodity.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Throughout the ancient world, wine was more than just a drink; it was imbued with cultural and religious meaning. It symbolized hospitality, celebration, and social status, and was often used in rituals and offerings to deities. In many cultures, wine was believed to possess mystical properties and was used in various ceremonies to purify and sanctify. The ancient wine world laid the foundational practices and cultural significance that continue to influence modern viticulture and oenology. From its earliest production in the Middle-East to its integral role in the societies of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, wine was a unifying thread that connected various cultures and ages. To truly understand old and new world wine, it’s inevitable to learn more about ‘the ancient wine world’ as this knowledge reveals the origins of this special beverage.
Examples of Ancient wine regions
While Italy and France are THE old world regions, the ancient wine regions range from West Azerbaijan to far into Europe and North Africa. Think of countries like Lebanon, Algeria, Greece, Moldavia, Georgia and although not a country Sicily as a region should be considered an ancient region. The three biggest distinctions between old and ancient world are historically is. Historical context: ancient wine world focusses on the earliest development of wine production while old world refers to established wine regions and traditions in Europe and culturally in the ancient world wine was integral to religious rituals, social status and early trade while in the old world wine is a cultural heritage, embedded in the identity of regions and countries. All in all we would not have wine in old or new world, if the ancient world had not paved the way. to expand your wine knowledge, you might want to try wine from an ancient wine regionHave you tried wines from any of these regions?