600-year-old grape seed genetically identical to modern pinot noir found in medieval French hospital

Researchers report a 600-year-old grape seed recovered from a 15th-century hospital toilet in Valenciennes is genetically identical to grapes used for pinot noir today, based on a study in Nature Communications that sequenced 54 ancient seeds.

Scientists report a 600-year-old grape seed was found in the toilet of a 15th-century hospital in Valenciennes in northern France. They say the seed is genetically identical to grapes used for pinot noir today. The finding appears in a study published in Nature Communications that sequenced 54 grape seeds from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. Researchers report the study sheds light on long-term cultivation and exchange of grape varieties. Key findings: - The seed dates to the 15th century and was recovered from a hospital toilet in Valenciennes. - Genome sequencing showed it is genetically identical to contemporary pinot noir grapes. - The study sequenced 54 grape seeds spanning roughly 2,300 BC (Bronze Age) to the Middle Ages. - Researchers found evidence that clonal propagation techniques were used for centuries and that such practices appear as far back as the Iron Age (around 625–500 BC). - DNA from Roman-period seeds indicates long-distance exchange and mixing of domesticated varieties with local wild vines across regions including Spain, the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Middle East. Summary: The research links a medieval grape seed directly to a modern grape variety and highlights persistent cultivation techniques over millennia. Researchers note that further collaboration with historians may clarify historical winegrowing practices; undetermined at this time.