Really Old World Wines

Filed in archive French Wines on July 3, 2007

I know quite a few people who prefer drinking old world wines because of the history and tradition that surround the winemaking process. If you are of a like mind, imagine how exciting it must have been to be on the archeological team in France that found Roman ruins which have been declared the nation's oldest winery. Decanter reports:

The large site, built around 10AD, is still surrounded by vines today on the outskirts of Clermont l'Herault, in the heart of Languedoc wine country...

Mini craters that once formed the bases of huge pottery wine vessels sit in neat rows where the old winery building stood. Each one held up to 1,800l, while irrigation channels show how winemakers used water to maintain a constant temperature.

A villa, complete with 200m² swimming pool, was attached to the building.

Mauné said inscriptions named the founder as Quintus Iulius Primus, who probably came from southern Italy to invest in the region's burgeoning wine industry.

A special public viewing will take place on July 11, and no doubt the site will become a new tourist attraction.