Columella Ancient Rome and wine

statue of columella in native land of cádiz.

columella 1st-century ad writer 12-volume de re rustica considered 1 of important works on roman agriculture. eleven volumes written in prose augmented volume 10, book on gardens in hexameter verse. volumes 3 , 4 delve technical aspects of roman viticulture, including advice on soil types yield best wine, while volume 12 concerns various aspects of winemaking.

columella describes boiling of grape must in lead vessel concentrate sugars , @ same time allow lead impart sweetness , desirable texture wine, practice may have contributed lead poisoning. presented precise details on how well-run vineyard should operate, optimum breakfast slaves yield of grapes each jugerum of land , pruning practices ensure yields. many modern elements of vine training , trellising evident in columella s description of best practices. in ideal vineyard, vines planted 2 paces apart , fastened willow withies chestnut stakes height of man. describes of wines of roman provinces, noting potential of wines spain , bordeaux region. additionally, columella lauds quality of wines made ancient grape varieties balisca , biturica, believed ampelographers ancestral cabernet family.