Moderate amounts of wine can be good for your health

I love a glass of wine. It improves my singing voice and makes me charming and scintillatingly funny. Well, that’s what I think, but the truth may not be quite so clear! Have you ever had the experience of attending a meeting that dragged on for hours, and eventually, when it’s over, wine is brought out? Suddenly happy laughter begins to bubble up. Within a short space of time, the atmosphere is light-hearted and happy. Wine does that. It brings people together and encourages smiles. But apart from the way it helps us relax and become more sociable, research shows that consuming moderate amounts of wine can be good for your health.

Historically, red wine has received all the plaudits for health benefits and is even included as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet. More recent research shows that white wines can also offer significant health benefits.

Red wine has high polyphenolic content because the grapes are fermented with the skin on. Polyphenols are a subset of antioxidants such as resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanins, procyanidins, ellagic acid, and catechins. It is these antioxidants that may provide a range of health benefits from inhibiting cancerous cell growth, slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s, promoting healing in arteries, weight maintenance, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

But in many cases, white wine phenols have a comparable or higher antioxidant capacity than red wine phenols.

Moderate consumption of both red and white wine has been found to play a positive role in removing toxins associated with Alzheimer’s disease from the brain. The critical word here is ‘moderate.’ Too much wine will have the opposite effect.

Wine can lower your cholesterol level and improve your cardiovascular and metabolic function, but we are talking about moderate quantities of wine. So, be sensible, have a glass or two of good quality wine, enjoy yourself, and keep healthy.

So, to lighten the mood, here are some suggestions to help you keep in peak physical condition while enjoying exceptional wines.

Let’s begin with a low-calorie Sauvignon Blanc. Crisp and fresh and ideal for a summer evening.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021

This is one of the premier Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand. The winery, established over thirty-five years ago by David Hohnen is situated in the prime wine-growing area of Marlborough. The proximity to the coast, and hence the name, gives the wine a wonderful freshness so characteristic of New Zealand Wines.

The wine-making process is meticulous, with the grapes from the ninety-one different vineyard parcels kept separate to allow winemakers to emphasize their blending skills.

The wine greets the nose with gooseberries, stone fruit, and fresh citrus notes. There is a definite crispness that is well balanced by a harmonious trio of apricots, peaches, and nectarines.

A strong contender for pairing with sushi, seafood, and salads.

If you would like a gentler wine, why not try a Chenin Blanc, and here is the chance to savour one of the leading Chenins from South Africa.

Mullineux Kloof Street Chenin Blanc 2020.

This wine comes from one of the premier wine estates in South Africa. Founded some fifteen years ago by Andrea and Chris Mullineux, they have raked in thirty-five top local awards. In addition, Andrea was awarded the two-thousand and sixteen International Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

Together with partner growers, the Chenin is produced with minimal intervention to allow the terroir to fully express the subtle flavours for which the winery has achieved worldwide recognition.

As a result of the dual fermentation process in tanks and barrels, the result is a wine of complexity and rich flavours.  A duet of stone fruit and citrus delight the nose while hints of vanilla and toast linger on the tongue.

The perfect balance between freshness and fruit makes it an ideal partner for pan-fried salmon, roast chicken, and hard mature cheeses.

And now we need to have a look at Chardonnay. This wine has a following and a resisting group. To some, the wooded ambience of the wine is unattractive; to others, it makes the perfect wine. Thankfully we are all different, but an excellent example of a wooded Chardonnay comes from Italy and from an Estate more famous for its Chianti Classico red wines.

Felsina I Sistri Chardonnay 2019

After thirty-five years of experience, one would expect that this wine would be at peak perfection, and it does not disappoint. It is everything that a Wooded Chardonnay should be. Rich, buttery, and balanced with tropical fruit and baking spice.

Daily battonage for the year the wine spends in the barrel on the lees creates a sensationally rich and creamy texture which is further enhanced by three months in the bottle before the wine is released.

What about some red wines, I hear you ask. Here I must confess I have a particular favourite, Pinot Noir. The low tannins and elegant fruits make this an irresistible choice and for the best examples, we have to look to the Burgundy region of France.

Domaine Trapet Gevrey Chambertin Ostrea 2018

This Pinot Noir is made from vines, some of which are over one hundred years old. The vines on this estate were spared from the ravages of the Phylloxera onslaught because they had been grafted.

The tiny berries are rich in flavours, and the combination of fermentation in oak barrels lends a subtle spiciness to the fruit flavours.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wines with classic cassis and black fruit flavours and vibrant tannins.

Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

This is a consistent top scorer from the famous wine-growing region of California. The grapes are aged for sixteen months in French oak. The wine is an outstanding example of the natural beauty of balance between the rich dark fruit and the firm tannins.

A combination that pairs so well with rich meat dishes.

Conclusion

Wines come in an almost endless variety of flavours, colours, and conditions. Which is the best? The simple answer is the one you like the best providing, of course, you drink in moderation.  Your favourite white to sip sitting on a rock watching a setting sun over a tranquil ocean or sipping a rich red next to the fire on a winter’s night are your choices. Enjoy and be responsible for a healthy lifestyle.