Ancient DNA reveals 4000 years of grapevine diversity, viticulture and clonal propagation in France

Abstract

Wine production has deep historical roots in France, yet the biological foundations of early viticulture remain elusive. We report genome-wide ancient DNA data from 49 archaeological grape pips spanning ~4000 years, from the Bronze Age to the Medieval period, primarily focusing on France. Population genetic analyses reveal the genetic makeup of wild local grapevines in the Bronze Age and the early use of domesticated grapevines by ~625-500 BCE. Roman-era genomes reflect long-distance exchange from Iberian, Balkan, Levantine, and Caucasian domesticated varieties. Vegetative propagation, evidenced by genetically identical clones across sites and centuries, emerged by the mid-Iron Age and became a pillar of viticultural practice. Remarkably, one Medieval sample from Valenciennes is genetically identical to modern ‘Pinot Noir’, demonstrating clonal continuity over nearly 600 years. This study traces the introduction, integration and spread of diverse grapevine ancestries that have contributed to shape the varietal landscape of French viticulture. Subject terms: Plant genetics, Population genetics, Agricultural genetics, Plant evolution