Did medieval French people consume the same grape varieties as today?

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Medieval French Diet Included Grape Varieties Identical to Modern Pinot Noir

Medieval French people consumed grape varieties identical to those used for modern pinot noir wine, as evidenced by a 600-year-old grape seed discovered in the toilets of a medieval hospital. This finding confirms that this specific, highly popular grape variety has been cultivated in France since at least the 15th century. While it is not possible to definitively determine whether this particular grape was consumed fresh as table grapes or processed into wine at the time, its genetic identity to contemporary pinot noir highlights a direct link between the historical and modern viticultural practices in France.
Genetic Link to Modern Pinot Noir Established

A grape seed unearthed from a 15th-century hospital toilet in Valenciennes, northern France, has been found to be genetically identical to the grapes currently used to produce pinot noir wine. This discovery, detailed in a recent study, unequivocally demonstrates the continuous cultivation of this significant grape varietal in France for at least six centuries. The research underscores the remarkable stability and enduring legacy of specific grape varieties over long historical periods.
Consumption Ambiguity for 15th-Century Grapes

The precise manner in which these 15th-century grapes were consumed remains a subject of scientific uncertainty. Researchers have indicated that it is not possible to ascertain whether the fruit found was eaten directly as table grapes or if it was used in the winemaking process during that era. This ambiguity does not diminish the significance of the finding regarding the grape's historical presence and cultivation.
Broader Context of Grape Cultivation and Trade

The study, which sequenced the genomes of 54 grape seeds spanning from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages, provides a wider perspective on grape cultivation and trade in ancient and medieval France. Evidence suggests that domesticated vines began appearing in France between 625 and 500 BC, coinciding with the introduction of viticulture by colonizing Greeks. Furthermore, the DNA analysis of ancient seeds revealed extensive long-distance exchanges of domesticated grape varieties from various regions, including Spain, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, particularly during the Roman period. This indicates a rich history of grape diversity and interconnectedness in the region.

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Did medieval French people consume the same grape varieties as today?

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