France's earliest winery found

Probably started as a means of raising wine grapes on the cheap, away
from the expensive Italian real estate.




France's earliest winery found
July 2, 2007
Chris Mercer

Roman ruins found in southern France have been declared remnants of
the country's earliest known winery.

The large site, built around 10AD, is still surrounded by vines today
on the outskirts of Clermont l'Herault, in the heart of Languedoc wine
country.

'It's really exceptional, and very elaborate,' Stephane Mauné, head of
the site and archaeologist with France's CNRS research institute, told
decanter.com.

Mini craters that once formed the bases of huge pottery wine vessels
sit in neat rows where the old winery building stood. Each one held up
to 1,800l, while irrigation channels show how winemakers used water to
maintain a constant temperature.

A villa, complete with 200m² swimming pool, was attached to the
building.

Mauné said inscriptions named the founder as Quintus Iulius Primus,
who probably came from southern Italy to invest in the region's
burgeoning wine industry.

Romans arrived in Languedoc Roussillon via Narbonne around 118BC.
Historians know that after subduing local tribes the Romans cultivated
vines to send wine back to Italy.

'There was lots of economic development in this area. You have good
access into ancient Gaul and there were ports close by,' Mauné said.

But, in a story reminiscent of France's wine market problems today, it
is thought greater competition eventually sent the winery near
Clermont l'Herault out of business.

Local winemakers now hope to profit from the tourism and prestige the
ancient site could bring. A tourism centre is set to be built, and a
special public viewing will take place on 11 July.
http://www.decanter.com/news/127087.html

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