Aglianico: the Campanian grape at the heart of research into diabetic retinopathy

We recently came across a scientific study that shines a light on a grape variety we are very fond of. Aglianico, an iconic grape variety from Campania, does more than make great wines: Italian researchers have worked on an extract made from its pomace as part of research into diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication of diabetes that affects vision. Let us make it clear from the outset that this is a grape extract, not wine.

Aglianico: a grape with character

Aglianico, the noble grape variety from southern Italy, is well known among wine lovers for its powerful tannins and exceptional ageing potential. It also interests researchers: a team of Italian scientists has developed an experimental dietary supplement based on Aglianico pomace, that is, the skins and seeds left over after pressing.

What draws the researchers' attention are the grape's polyphenolic compounds, including resveratrol and quercetin. These molecules, naturally present in grape skins, are being studied for their antioxidant properties. As sommeliers, we know them mainly for their role in the colour and structure of wines, and we find it fascinating to see this grape variety at the heart of scientific work.

Here is an overview of the main compounds in Aglianico:

• Resveratrol: a polyphenol found in grape skins
• Quercetin: a flavonoid studied in the laboratory
• Anthocyanins: the pigments that give Aglianico wines their deep colour
• Proanthocyanidins: tannins that give the wine its structure and help it age well

Diabetic retinopathy: a major challenge

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the retina. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, and nearly a quarter of type 2 diabetic patients will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime. This condition can lead to progressive vision loss and is the leading cause of preventable blindness in adults in many countries.

Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of this condition. This mechanism is the focus of the researchers' work: they have developed a maltodextrin grape pomace extract (MaGPE) from Aglianico. It is a concentrated extract, taken as a supplement, and has nothing to do with drinking wine.

Travelling through the world's vineyards, we have often heard about the supposed medicinal properties of certain grape varieties. Here, this is a genuine scientific approach linking winemaking tradition with medical research, which is worth highlighting, without jumping to conclusions.

A clinical study that is still preliminary

MaGPE was evaluated in a randomised clinical trial involving 99 patients with diabetic retinopathy. Here are the main features of this study:

The authors report encouraging results on these parameters, but a single study carried out on a limited number of patients is not enough to establish the effectiveness of a treatment. This supplement is not a medicine, and the treatment of diabetic retinopathy is exclusively a matter for health professionals.

Future prospects for Aglianico

This work illustrates research interest in natural compounds, including winemaking by-products such as pomace. As wine enthusiasts, we find it exciting to see a grape variety we love serve as a starting point for scientific research.

For us, Aglianico remains first and foremost a great grape variety for tasting, the grape behind the powerful, distinguished wines of southern Italy. This study underlines the importance of interdisciplinary research, here combining expertise in viticulture, chemistry and ophthalmology. It does not change one obvious fact: drinking wine has no protective effect, neither on the eyes nor on health in general.

As we continue to explore the world’s vineyards, we will follow the progress of this research with curiosity. And it is for its aromas, its structure and its history that we will keep introducing you to Aglianico.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly.