New research by a Stanford University team led by Sean Myles has revealed that many wine varieties are more closely related than previously believed. As reported by New Scientist, the researchers show how few crosses have been made over the past 6,000 years of vine domestication which could help in developing new cultivars with disease resistance.

What is most surprising to me is how central the Traminer grape is to the lineage of many of the noble European varieties. For the details, put on your vine-geek hat and check it out here.

via New Scientist