|
|
A new study proves that the domestication and cultivation of grapevines began 11,000 years ago - and not around 8,000 years ago, as previously assumed. Scientists from 16 countries took part in the work, which involved a large-scale genetic analysis of grape varieties. In the process, they were able to identify two separate domestication events in the Middle East and the Caucasus, which apparently took place at the same time.
The DNA analyses of cultivated and wild grapevine varieties of Vitis vinifera and Vitis Sylvestris lead to the conclusion that the vines were selected according to the characteristics of their fruits, such as taste, colour and resistance, and were propagated in a targeted manner. It is unclear whether the grapes were grown for consumption or for fermentation. One of the study authors, Wei Chen of Yunnan Agricultural University, suspects that the grapes were intended for eating: "Whether the ancient people had the knowledge to make wine at the beginning is debatable. In my personal opinion, grapes in the Caucasus were first domesticated for consumption." However, he said, this was a milestone in the evolution of mankind: "The grapevine was probably the first fruit plant domesticated by humans." According to the study, most of today's grape varieties are descended from only four ancient varieties in Europe and one in the Caucasus.
As Professor Robin Allaby of the University of Warwick, who was not involved in the study, points out, domestication in the South Caucasus had limited influence on further development, while that in the Middle East dominated most early viticulture. Through migration and cultural exchange, different grape varieties soon spread to North Africa and Europe.
According to the findings of the study, the cultivation of grapevines took place at about the same time as that of wheat. This meant that the basic products for beer and wine were available, which ushered in a new stage of development for humankind: because with it, they could produce alcohol. For Peter Nick, plant biologist at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and one of the authors of the study, the invention of wine had a major impact: "It was one of the first globally traded goods. It can be argued that the domestication of the vine was one of the driving forces of civilisation."
(al / sources: decanter, drinksbusiness; photo: 123rf)