Wine history
The history of wine
Grapes are one of the most ancient fruits in the world. Fossil analyses have shown that vines have been in existence for millions of years.
The wild vine first appeared in Mesopotamia and Egypt.
The Greeks, nearly 6 000 years ago, were the first to cultivate the vine systematically and produce wines that were distributed by their ships throughout the known world.
When they colonized Southern Italy, Sicily, Southern France and Spain, they brought with them and spread the knowledge of how to cultivate the vine and also the knowledge of winemaking.
According to Greek mythology, the god of wine was Dionysus or Bacchus, and the Maenads, who were the female followers of Dionysus, the Satyrs, who were his troops and male companions and also the Nymphs, took part in the Dionysian ritual.
Wine accompanies man in many aspects of his life, such as, happy as well as sad events, religious ceremonies and any other celebration. It encourages and relaxes him, thus contributing to him surpassing economic and social ordinances, and it also offers him euphoria and the feeling of optimism.
Chemical analysis of wine and especially red wine contains approximately 200 different ingredients (phenols, tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, polysaccharides, iron etc). One of the most important ingredients is resveratrol, which can be found in the skin and the seed of the grape. It is introduced into the wine during the red
vinification process. It is worth noting that 100 grams of wine contain 80 calories.
Resveratrol is synthesized by many plants, and serves as a self-defense mechanism against various illnesses of the vine. Resveratrol is a vegetal hormone that has antioxidant properties.
Long-term studies have reached the conclusion that 1 or 2 glasses of red wine a day have cancer inhibiting properties. It also reduces the danger of heart diseases such as heart attacks and coronary disease. It also raises HDL (good cholesterol) and limits thrombosis and platelet aggregation in the blood. Furthermore it reduces by 40% the danger of prostate development.
In ancient times, Hippocrates suggested that his patients should consume an appropriate quantity of wine proportionate to their weigh, as a means of therapy.
Luis Pasteur says that wine is the healthiest and cleanest drink there is. Moreover the ancient Greeks believed that drinking a small quantity of quality wine is therapeutic.
We suggest that people drink a little wine day and above all that this wine is biologically produced and certified, as the E.U’s standards control mechanisms are very strict, as far as quality is concerned.
You can find more and extensive information on wine in ancient times at the below mentioned link: