In Carmona, Seville, Spain, archaeologists discovered an ancient Roman tomb that contained a 2,000-year-old glass urn with a unique mixture. The liquid inside the urn was once white wine but had turned reddish-brown over time. Despite its age, the wine is still technically drinkable and has a salty taste due to high concentrations of potassium and sodium.
The discovery was made during the construction of a nearby house in 2019. Laboratory analysis revealed that the liquid was originally white wine from the region and had seven unique polyphenols present in it. The pH of the liquid was similar to that of water but had a chemical composition characteristic of wine. This makes it the oldest liquid wine ever recorded, surpassing the previous record set by a Roman tomb near Speyer, Germany, dating back to around 325 AD.
Despite its age and uniqueness, researchers have refrained from drinking it due to its long contact with the remains of a Roman. However, this discovery provides insight into ancient Roman burial practices and wine production. It also sheds light on the cultural and culinary practices of the time.
Organic chemist José Rafael Ruiz Arrebola at the University of Cordoba led the research team that made this discovery. His team identified seven unique polyphenols in the liquid, confirming that it was indeed white wine from the region. The pH of the liquid was similar to that of water but had a chemical composition characteristic of wine.
Daniel Cosano, another organic chemist on the team tasted
