Pliny the Elder Ancient Rome and wine
pliny elder.
pliny elder 1st-century ad naturalist , author of 37-volume roman encyclopedia naturalis historia (natural history), dedicated emperor titus. published after pliny s death near pompeii following eruption of mount vesuvius, work covers vast array of topics, including serious discourse on viticulture , wine.
book 14 deals exclusively subject of wine itself, including ranking of first growths of rome. book 17 includes discussion of various viticultural techniques , formalization of concept of terroir, in unique places produce unique wine. in rankings of best roman wines, pliny concludes vineyard has more influence on resulting quality of wine particular vine. sections of book 23 deal of purported medicinal properties of wine.
pliny strong advocate training vines trees in pergola, noting finest wines in campania derived practice. due dangers in working on , pruning vines trained way, however, advised not using valuable slaves rather vineyard workers hired stipulation in contract cover grave , funeral expenses. described contemporary varieties, recommending aminean , nomentan best. ampelographers believe 2 white wine varieties mentioned, arcelaca , argitis, may ancestors modern grape riesling.
pliny source 1 of famous latin quotations wine: in vino veritas, or there s truth in wine, referring confessional loquacity of intoxicated.
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