Autocthonous: Originating in Armenia
This week we're back in Armenia focusing more deeply on the origins and proliferation of Armenia’s autochthonous grape varieties. Indigenous and autochthonous seem to be used interchangeably, but as we've learned, in the scientific community, autochthonous is the preferred term for grape varieties that were born, so to speak, in a certain place. So, get ready for a very heady interview as we delve deep into vinifera DNA, domestication centers, and algorithmic predictions of grapevine distribution …The Wine Thieves welcome guest Kristina Margaryan, head of the research group of plant genomics at the institute of molecular biology and the national academy of science specializing in grapevine genetics and genomics. In 2018 she helped to establish the first Armenian grapevine database. Also joining the discussion is Varuzhan Mouradian, founder of Van Ardi, one of the first boutique wineries established as part of the modern Armenian wine renaissance. To prep you for the discussion, John and Sara learn the definitions of morphology, phenotypes, somatic mutations, chimera, germplasm and clarify the distinction between a grape synonym and homonym. You'll discover what just may be the world's oldest grape variety and the possibility of long-lost relatives across Europe as our guests explore archeo-botanical evidence and newfound genetic research. Looking to the past to innovate in the future, they consider the possiblity that ancient, wild grape varieties may hold the key to disease resistant and climate-hardy farming. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation!