Third Center of Domestication: Interaction between Genetics and Archaeological Sciences in Lands Devoted to Biodiversity of Grapevine Varieties

Abstract

Genetic research into grapevines identifies the Third Center of Variety Domestication in central-southern Italy. The many stories written "on wine", even though molecular archaeology, do not mention it. Here we present the application of a different analytical system. Archaeology introduces into Genetics the components of Space (places and materials) and Time (documented history). The genetic relationships of vine varieties combine with those who identified them, places devoted to cultivation and containers for transportation. The Third Center becomes a defined geographical, historical and cultural setting and a macro-terroir, useful to the cultural and production growth of current vine growers. Originally it was called Siritis (from Siris, an Ionian colony in southern Italy with its grapevine varieties named Siricae) then it became Sibaritide, Enotria and finally land of Amineae. The varieties selected here combine and colonise the western Mediterranean. Pinot Noir, Syrah and Aglianico with their genetic relationship are among the examples on which the research is founded. Then it’s the first time that grapevines varieties enter directly a history, with their names and not a generic reference to the viticulture. The link of genetics to history gives their correct cultural and chronological location.