In 77 AD, Pliny the Elder documented numerous grape varieties and regional wines in his encyclopedic work 'Naturalis Historia.' This comprehensive catalog provided insights into the viticulture practices of the Roman Empire and highlighted the cultural significance of wine. Pliny's observations laid the groundwork for future studies in botany and oenology, influencing wine production and appreciation for centuries.

Pliny the Elder's documentation of global wine varieties served as a reference for medieval and Renaissance poets. His authoritative works on wine inspired literary explorations of pleasure and indulgence, influencing poets like Ronsard and his contemporaries.