DNA Discovery for White Wine

Archaeological excavations announce the first DNA proof of white wines discovered in the Negev desert.

References to white wine have been found in books since around 360 BC, but early remains of white grapes have been missing. The earliest evidence of white grapes is now thought to be the 8th Century, after some pips were found in the ruins of a Byzantine monastery. The seeds underwent DNA analysis and early indications are that they are white. The grape seeds were found in Negev, in what is now Israel.

Historically this region was known for having large presses, but what grapes were grown were not known. The earliest known reference to white wines was made by the Greek Xenophon in his manuscript Oeconomicus from around 362BC.