A study based on the analysis of 28 seeds of the grape species 'Vitis vinifera' from the Iberian Peninsula and Sardinia showed that these vines were crossbred with local varieties and subsequently became the source of many traditional Iberian Peninsula cultivars.
One of the foundational varieties, known as Hebén, has been cultivated for at least 1100 years.
The analysis concludes that the spread of viticulture to the west via the Mediterranean Sea was largely driven by Phoenician colonists who brought varieties from the Eastern region. This practice was then copied by the local population.
After its expansion, vineyards and wine production turned into a commercial activity by the end of the 8th century BCE.
The team that conducted this research includes specialists from the University of Valencia, as well as the Institute of Grape and Wine Sciences and the Institute of History.