The World’s Oldest Wine Uncovered: Is It Drinkable?
Wine enthusiasts have been buzzing about the recent news of the world’s oldest wine being uncovered. The Daily Star reported that a wine bottle, believed to be at least 1,650 years old, was discovered during an excavation of a Roman tomb in Germany. They were obviously having a better time than we thought in the tombs. While the idea of tasting a wine that’s been around for millennia is exciting, experts are saying that it may not be drinkable. I mean we gotta at least give it a try right? Won’t kill ya… I think.
The bottle containing the oldest known wine was found in 1867 during an excavation of a tomb in a Roman village called Speyer. The tomb was believed to belong to a wealthy individual and included various artifacts, including said wine bottle. The bottle’s contents have been analyzed and experts have stated that it is most likely a type of white wine made in the Rhineland region.
The wine bottle itself is covered in a thick grime like substance, and the liquid inside is a brown color. But you know what I always say… Don’t judge a bottle of wine on the wine bottle. 😉
Winemaking has been around for thousands of years and has evolved soooo much over time. Today, we take for granted the use of steel tanks, temperature-controlled fermentation, and sterile bottling techniques. Because winemaking was not always so advanced, the ancient Romans used clay storage ‘vessels’ for their wine, which likely contributed to the different tastes and composition people talk about with their wines.
The bottle’s discovery also raises interesting questions about the history of wine and how it has changed over time. Wine production and consumption were, at the time, reserved for the elite and the rich. The wine was often used in religious ceremonies. But nowadays it’s very trendy. Would I drink the wine? Of course. I never turn down wine! Cheers!
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