From the earliest presses to underwater wineries
Since time immemorial, wine has been far more than a beverage: it is a witness to history, a symbol of culture and a protagonist in memorable moments of human life. Its journey is intertwined with the evolution of entire civilisations, leaving its mark on both ancient rituals and today’s most refined tables. Let us immerse ourselves in its history, from its origins in antiquity to today’s most remarkable innovations.
An ancient origin
The beginnings of wine take us back more than 7,000 years, to the fertile lands of the Caucasus —the region where Georgia, Armenia and Iran are located today—. There, the first farmers not only cultivated vines, but were already fermenting their fruit to obtain a liquid that quickly became an essential part of their daily and spiritual lives. Pottery discovered with traces of wine bears witness to this early winemaking knowledge.
From this original cradle, vine cultivation spread to Egypt and Mesopotamia. In these cultures, wine was a sacred beverage, reserved for religious ceremonies and the elite. Later, the Phoenicians would play a key role in its spread across the Mediterranean, taking it to Greece and Rome, where both production techniques and wine culture were refined.
Red wine: character and history
Red wine is distinguished not only by its deep colour, but also by its production process, in which grape skins remain in contact with the must during fermentation. This technique, known since antiquity, was used by the Greeks and Egyptians and later by the Romans, who developed a true wine industry with classifications by region and style.
During the Middle Ages, monasteries became guardians of winemaking knowledge. In places such as Bordeaux and Burgundy, monks documented their processes rigorously, laying the foundations of modern winemaking. Many of their methods remain in use today.
White wine: elegance since antiquity
Although less visually intense, white wine has an equally rich history. It is made from white grapes or by separating the juice from the skins of red varieties. This style was already being produced in Ancient Greece, while in Rome Falernian wine was highly prized as one of the most coveted wines of its time.
In later centuries, particularly in cool regions such as Germany and Alsace, some of the most prestigious white varieties emerged, including Riesling. During the Renaissance, white wine became a symbol of refinement in European courts, and it has retained its status ever since as the ideal partner for fish, seafood and poultry.
Submerged secrets: wine and the sea
The sea has also been an unexpected guardian of wine history. Various shipwrecks have revealed perfectly preserved wine cargoes, offering clues about maritime trade and the tastes of bygone eras.
One of the most surprising discoveries was made near the Greek island of Chíos, where a 4th-century BC ship contained wine-filled amphorae. Another fascinating case is that of the “Madeleine”, which sank off Sweden in the 19th century carrying barrels of wine and spirits that were later auctioned. And in 2010, the discovery of champagne bottles in the Baltic Sea —including brands such as Veuve Clicquot— demonstrated that the seabed can be an exceptional natural cellar.
Crusoe Treasure: innovation in the depths
Inspired by these discoveries, in 2007 Bodega Crusoe Treasurewas born, a pioneering project that combines winemaking tradition with the mystery of the ocean. Located off the Basque coast, this winery has transformed an underwater structure into an artificial reef where its wines age, protected by marine biodiversity.
According to the studies carried out, the marine environment gives the wine a unique evolution: stable temperatures, the absence of light and the gentle movement of the sea contribute to a different, rounder and more complex organoleptic profile. This innovative form of maturation has attracted the attention of wine experts around the world.
Grapes that make history
The grape is the heart of wine, and each variety tells its own story:
-
Red varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot and Syrah.
-
White varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Riesling, Chenin Blanc.
Each contributes different nuances according to its origin, the climate in which it grows, the soil that nourishes it and the expertise of the winemaker who transforms it.
Legendary wine regions
The world’s most renowned wine regions share centuries of experience, exceptional climatic conditions and unwavering passion:
-
France: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Loire Valley.
-
Italy: Tuscany, Sicily, Piedmont.
-
Spain: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat.
-
The Americas and Oceania: Napa Valley (USA), Mendoza (Argentina), Barossa Valley (Australia).
Each of these regions contributes a distinctive style that reflects its history and local culture.
The evolution of the bottle
Wine vessels have also undergone a rich evolution. In the earliest days, clay amphorae were used, until blown glass made it possible to create bottles in the 1st century AD. It was not until the 17th century that their shape and strength became standardised, thanks to technical advances in England.
Today, the shape of the bottle has not only a practical function, but also a symbolic one. Styles such as Bordeaux, Burgundy and the “Rhine” bottle reflect local traditions and suggest the type of wine they contain, creating a visual identity that complements the sensory experience.
Immerse yourself in a unique experience
Wine has travelled a long way from ancient amphorae to the depths of the sea. Today, that history is being reinvented through visionary projects such as Bodega Crusoe Treasure, where every bottle tells a story of innovation, nature and a passion for detail.
If you are looking for a different wine, with soul and character, aged in conditions impossible to replicate on land, we invite you to discover the Crusoe Treasure collection.