Rare Genetic Mutation 3000 years ago Formed White Grapes
It has long been known that white grape varieties stem from red grapes - but scientists have never been able to pin down exactly when or why the genetic change appeared. Until now.Australian scientists have discovered that around 3,000 years ago a genetic mutation occurred. The colour of grape skins is controlled by two genes, (VvMYBA1 and VvMYBA2 for the techi-minded). The scientists found that either gene can regulate the colour of grapes by switching on production of a molecule called anthocyanin. When switched on a grapes skin turns red. In white grapes, both the genes are mutated, meaning both ways for producing a red colour are switched off.
As this (now old) piece on Discovery states, white wine has been found in the grave of Tutankhamen as well as red. This places the red into white grape mutation at least 3,000 years ago, but scientists are still unsure of exactly when.
For modern winemakers, the new genetic information could prove useful as a tool for breeding new grape varieties with specific colour characteristics,
Wait a minute… isn’t white wine made from any colour grape with the skins removed? So why does this mutation affect the wine in Tutankhamen’s tomb?