| Let’s face it, despite the climate of our weather or society, wine and adult beverages have nestled a place in our hearts. Statistics show the largest group of people that consume wine are women (56%) and this is kind of a shocker, but according to ThoughtCo.com, Millenials (36%) drink more wine than Baby Boomers (34%). But did you know there is an incredibly rich history not only on where wine originated but also on the different designs of the vessels that hold the delicious elixir? Uncork that bottle and let’s take a stroll. There is evidence that the very first wine was produced in China about 9,000 years ago, a combination of grapes, fermented rice and honey. Researchers have also found evidence of ancient wine production in Georgia (c.8000), China (7000BC), Armenia (c.4100BC) Iran (5000BC) and Sicily (4000BC). Winemaking supplies also have a diverse history from earthenware vessels that were buried in the ground, which is still done today in Georgia, to stoneware bottles that traveled halfway across the globe by boat. In 900 BC during the Iron Age in Northern Europe, barrels become the preferred container to store and ship wine. Today, they are still used to flavor, season and intentionally oxidize the wine. The early beginnings of champagne happened in the 15th and 16th centuries where the pale liquid was sealed in stoneware jugs causing re-fermentation resulting in the “spritz” or “bubbles”. These creamy style libations led to the creation of French sparkling wine and British cider. Believe it or not, the “bag in a box” is not a new thing, it was actually introduced in 1964. Also in the 20th century, a game changer and something quite controversial was the introduction of screw cap tops and synthetic corks. These new bottle stoppers challenged the traditional natural cork which are far from perfect and often leak, dry out and crumble. So as you can see, the history surrounding winemaking and the containers it is stored in is quite fascinating so whether you are a Moscado or Merlot aficionado, you gotta admit, the history of wine and its vessels has come a long way from jugs buried in the earth .https://winefolly.com/lifestyle/a-brief-illustrated-history-of-wine/https://www.thoughtco.com/wine-origins-archaeology-and-history-173240 |
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