During the last 10 years or so, archaeological discovery on the island has brought to light that viticulture there has been active for much longer than originally thought. We’re talking certainly more than three Millenia! This follows carbon dating of grape seeds discovered at Nuragic sites on the island. While not identified Cannonau, what’s important is the existence of seeds predating all previously held historical knowledge. Does this move the goal posts? We reckon so. We’re now talking some 3,300 years ago…, certainly before the Romans and most likely before the arrival of the Phoenicians. The suggestion is that vines may well have been brought by the Shardana, early mediterranean seafarers, hailing from the east. Think in terms of modern day Lebanon. At the same time there’s also talk of domestication of native wild vines on the island. Whichever way you want to prune it, one thing is clear, viticultural heritage on the island has some serious history behind it. Data published by researcher Gianni Lovicu is adding significant weight to the debate as it the work of Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta and his team from the University of Cagliari who’ve recently found more than 15,000 Malvasia and Vernaccia seeds (both native white grape varieties) in almost perfect preserved condition (like fresh) in a nuragic site near Oristano.