Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of wine production in Malaga’s Dolmen de Menga located in the city of Antequera
Wine was produced in Malaga 6,000 years ago. This has been confirmed by a discovery that Andalucian archaeologists have carried out in the surroundings of the Dolmen de Menga.
The discovery suggests that viticulture techniques and wine consumption existed during the Neolithic period, predating the arrival of the Phoenicians. This insight comes from the analysis of Neolithic vessels discovered in the Menga Dolmen.
Professor of Prehistory at the University of Seville, Leonardo García Sanjuán, is one of the main researchers leading the studies.
Over a period of four years, Sanjuán and his team have conducted extensive research and exploration of the Dolmen, uncovering significant findings such as the vessels discovered in the burial mound.
“We analyzed fragments of ceramics found in the earth that predate the burial mound. The vessels contained chemical traces of fermented grapes, which consist of water, ethanol, and grapes,” said García.
Although only a dozen vessels were analyzed, the fragments examined represent just a small fraction of the thousands that are believed to exist. The researcher explains that the scientific process used for analysis involves two methods: gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, which allow for the identification of molecules present in the vessels.
According to García, the discovery dates back to approximately 3,800 BC, indicating that wine production was already in existence 5,800 to 6,000 years ago.
Thanks to this discovery, it can be concluded that wine played an important role in the life and culture of the area in the past: ” It is interesting because it predates the construction of the dolmen. This means that the dolmen is built with a focus on socialization, since wine was consumed in that area, there was life there. Wine consumption occurs in the social context”.
Spain is well known for its wine production. It is the third largest wine producer in the world, after Italy and France, and it has a rich history and a diverse range of wine regions and grape varieties. Some of the most famous wine regions in Spain include Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and Jerez, among others.
