In Spain, a significant archaeological find has uncovered what is believed to be the oldest known liquid wine. The discovery was made within a 2,000-year-old Roman mausoleum near Seville. Researchers were astonished to confirm through chemical analysis that the reddish liquid found inside the tomb was indeed wine.

Prior to this find, the oldest known contender for ancient wine was a sealed vessel discovered near Speyer, Germany, estimated to be about 1,700 years old. However, since its contents have never been verified due to the vessel remaining unopened, its status remains uncertain.

The tomb in Carmona, where the discovery occurred, dates back to the 1st century AD and belonged to a wealthy family. It contained eight burial niches with urns made from limestone, sandstone, and glass. Some urns held cremated remains, including those of individuals named Hispana and Senicio. One glass urn, encased in lead, contained bone fragments of a 45-year-old man, a gold ring depicting Janus, and around 5 liters of the reddish liquid.

Researchers, led by Ruiz Arrebola, conducted a thorough analysis of the liquid's composition using various techniques such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. They found that the liquid had a pH of 7.5, indicating significant alkaline degradation over time. Despite this decay, its mineral profile resembled modern Spanish sherry and fino wines. Additionally, the analysis detected seven polyphenols, natural antioxidant compounds typical of wine, further confirming its identity.

This discovery sheds new light on ancient winemaking practices and provides valuable insights into Roman burial customs and social practices related to wine consumption during that era.