In a recent study, researchers sequenced the genomes of ancient grapevines, uncovering a history that sheds light on the introduction of viticulture in France, exchanges at the European level, and ancient agricultural practices that have left traces to this day.
The results, recently published in Nature Communications, show that some emblematic grape varieties, such as the flagship Burgundy pinot noir, were already present in the Middle Ages.
How did we analyze the DNA of 4,000-year-old grapevines?
The history of grapevines has long relied on the morphological study of vines. This approach has allowed the distinction of major trends, particularly on the wild or domestic nature of vines, and to trace the beginnings of viticulture.
However, some questions remained difficult to resolve: the geographical origin of the vines, parent relationships, or the modes of propagation (crossing or clonal reproduction) and circulation of plants. Ancient DNA preserved at the core of the vines provides crucial assistance in understanding the relationships between vines of the past and those of today.
We analyzed 49 grapevines from various archaeological sites, mostly French, spanning over 4,000 years, from the Bronze Age to the end of the Middle Ages. These water-filled vines have been preserved in specific, humid contexts, contributing to the preservation of their DNA.
The DNA was extracted in the specialized ancient DNA laboratory at the Center for Anthropobiology and Genomics in Toulouse, designed to isolate and manipulate molecules as rare as degraded ones that have passed through the ages in archaeological remains. This ancient DNA was decoded using cutting-edge sequencing technologies to read the entire genetic information, totaling about 500 million letters.
These data help establish genetic relationships between individuals, identify the origins of the vines, and rediscover past propagation techniques: either by crossing, mixing varieties of different origins or qualities; or by clonal reproduction (through cuttings, layering, or grafting) to maintain a precious variety unchanged over time.
Our discovery proves the antiquity of viticulture
The first cultivated vines appeared in France around 600 BC, with the development of Mediterranean trade, including wine. They coexisted with local wild vines, and crosses between these two types contributed to the diversity of grapevines.
Genetic analyses also confirm the existence of long-distance movements from this period. Influences from Iberia, the Balkans, or the Near East demonstrate exchanges of plants and expertise on the scale of the Mediterranean and Europe in general.
Another important point: clonal multiplication appears as an ancient and common practice, already in place since the Iron Age. It allowed certain varieties of interest to be maintained over long periods and spread over long distances.
In this context, we identified a medieval vine considered genetically identical to the current pinot noir, illustrating the continuity of certain grape varieties over centuries.
What are the perspectives for this research?
Ancient DNA not only confirms existing scenarios but also opens up new avenues. By combining ancient and modern data, it becomes possible to further characterize ancient vines. Recent approaches could infer certain characteristics of ancient grapes, such as berry color or taste-related traits.
These methods could also help better understand the adaptations of grapevines to past environments, or the choices made by ancient societies in their agricultural practices.
Ultimately, these research efforts contribute to better documenting the genetic diversity of the vine and its evolution, an important issue in the current context of climate change.
