Ancient DNA proves Chianti was once a white wine mecca

Scientists studying 2,000-year-old grape seeds found in Chianti have discovered that the famous Tuscan region was once known for white wines, not reds. DNA analysis of 80 seeds revealed that a single white grape variety was carefully cultivated by the Etruscans and Romans for centuries before the region eventually became the red wine powerhouse we know today. The research also identified links between ancient Chianti grapes and varieties still grown in Eastern Europe today.