The Oldest Wine and Alcohol Ever Drunk: A Journey Through Time
From the moment ancient herbivores munched or sipped on fermented fallen fruit, the journey of wine and other alcohols has been a fascinating and enduring one. This article explores the oldest instances of wine and alcohol that have been discovered and consumed throughout human history.
The Ancient Origins of Fermentation
It is believed that about 180 million years ago, a distant ancestor of modern-day mammals consumed fermented fruits. This marked the beginning of human interest in alcohol, which has evolved into a rich and diverse part of human culture and cuisine.
Unearthed Ancient Wines
The world's oldest known bottles of wine were discovered in the archeological ruins of Areni-1 in Armenia, dating back to around 4100 BCE. These finds, buried in a 6-meter (20 feet) deep pit, were in a dehydrated state, a unique method of preservation that not only kept the wine liquid but also likely improved its taste over the millennia.
In another remarkable discovery, a shipwreck off the coast of Sicily contained amphorae (ancient Greek storage jars) from a Roman trading vessel. According to rumblings of a dive buddy from the late 1970s, the seals on these amphorae were still intact, and indeed, some of them contained wine that was sampled. This would date the oldest wine to around the 6th century CE, or about 1500 years old. However, it was a far cry from the delightful taste one might expect from such an aged beverage. It was reported to be of such substandard quality that no one was willing to swallow it, instead spitting it over the side of the ship.
The Role of Resination
The quality of the wine in the amphorae might have been affected by the use of resination, a method of sealing the wine with pine sap. This technique was often used by ancient civilizations to preserve wine, but it is not the only factor that contributes to the alteration of wine over time. Other environmental and storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can also play significant roles in the wine's degradation.
The Significance of Ancient Wine
The discovery and consumption of ancient wine hold significant cultural and historical value. They offer insights into the trade, beliefs, and lifestyles of ancient peoples. The preserved bottles and the residues they contained provide evidence of the types of wine that were produced and consumed, and how they were protected and transported across long distances.
Conclusion
While the world may never know the exact date of the oldest wine or alcohol ever drunk, the discoveries and experiments like the one with the Roman trading vessel provide intriguing glimpses into the past. These findings not only enlarge our understanding of early human activities and dietary habits but also add a fascinating dimension to the story of humanity's enduring relationship with wine and other alcohols.