DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist
NEW SCIENCE: ROMAN WINE FROM 2000 YEARS AGO BETTER THAN TODAYS Source: Stock A recent scientific study of cearthenware vessels used in wine fermentation challenges age-old negative views and makes a case that ancient wines may have rivalled fine wines of today. Here's what we know: Previous misconceptions about the poor quality of ancient Roman wines developed from the lack of insight into fermentation in clay jars It's been scientifically found that the Roman winemaking procedure and current processes produce comparable aromas and tastes One big difference: metal and concrete containers are used in modern winemaking; clay jars were used by the Romans, which unlike modern vessels, would expose Roman wine to air during fermentation Another difference: no anti-insect or preservative chemicals on the grapes The new study concludes that ancient Roman wine may have been equal to or better than current