Palaeobotanists recreated the ancient wine that was drunk in ancient Rome two thousand years ago. For this purpose, orchards with grapes were created in Pompeii and the cultivation of plants was undertaken in the way the Romans did before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE.
The idea was born in 1996. Researchers used knowledge about the cultivation of ancient fruit and the type of grapes. They drew their knowledge from the preserved remnants of wine and grape seeds.
Currently, the extremely exclusive red wine brand “Villa dei Misteri – Mastroberardino” is available on the market. The soil in Pompeii is volcanic, loose, rich in minerals and lapilli, and well dried. Almost 15-year-old fruit is used for the production of wine.
The fruit is harvested at the end of October and is done by hand.
According to the producers, “Villa dei Misteri” wine has an intense ruby colour, and the taste is varied with a pinch of vanilla, cinnamon, marasca and plums. The aroma of raspberries and black pepper is also noticeable.
