The health of red wine, is it hype?
We’ve all heard that red wine is the healthiest of alcohol drinks we can consume. How true is it? I’ve been doing a little bit of reading at the MayoClinic. It seems that alcohol, no matter which form has the following good effects on the body:
- Raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol
- Inhibits the formation of blood clots
- Helps prevent artery damage caused by high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol
Now that’s NOT to say that drinking any alcohol doesn’t have other adverse effects that could out way these “good effects”. Otherwise, why would surgeon general post messages about pregnant women risks etc. Red wine has more to add to our list of good effects. It seems that the grapes have a substance in the skin and seeds of the grape called resveratrol. This specific substance, Resveratrol is a phytoalexin produced naturally by several plants when under attack by pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. Seems those grape vines are working hard to stay healthy and produce good fruit! What this substance does for health is not so simple. Mayo Clinic will tell you that French people that eat saturated fats every day and have wine every day, don’t have heart issues. Wikipedia on the other hand has a different story about these lovely resveratrol goodies. Can you not see the little mouse, “little chef” from ratatouille being excited to hear about how good food is in fact healthiest for you? oh wait, we are talking about wine here. What good french foodie doesn’t have a good knowledge on wine?
Psstt…I’m not a french foodie. duh… I am a self professed herbie eco chick soap maker that well could know a good wine when I see one! (or well drink one). Facebook has been an interesting journey for me. I was not really interested in connected with folk from my school years. When asked if I would attend my 20th year reunion, I drug my feet thinking there were few folks that I really wanted to connect with. Boy was I wrong! (eating crow pie here..what would a french foodie say?) Anyhoo, I’ve connected with some extraordinary folks.
One guy that I remember singing next to in 5th grade, now lives across our great country in Walla Walla, Wa making of all things, WINE! The company is Sleight of Hand. This wine was easy to order via the internet and is quite tasty! Naturally, I chose a red wine called The spellbinder because it was red AND it was recommended as the owner’s favorite. To be in business for yourself, one thing I’ve learned is that your passion does lead to the best products. If the owner says this one is a favorite, it’s the wine to start with in my book! The wine arrived on or perhaps even ahead of expected timing. Trey even called to be sure that all arrived and that we were happy with the shipment process. (taking notes here on excellent customer service for my own business!)
Upon opening the package, my first reaction was in regard for the label. It’s quite striking as you can see a close up version here. The bottle has no cork! It’s a medium priced bottle of wine and it’s got a screw top? Horrors!… NOT! Wine Corks…a WHOLE other environmental blog! Anyhoo, cork doesn’t make the taste of a wine. This bottle totally changes my thoughts on a good wine needing a cork.
The very first taste of this wine took me back to a significant memory. Ratatouille resonates again! When the food critic that was so hard to please had the famous dish, he was immediately moved from present time into a special memory that meant something to him. I’m no wine critic. If anything, my cabin folk brother Ron would have me drinking …I mean uh…critquing mead! Another whole blog post or 20. Anyhoo, this is what happened when I tried this wine.
Suddenly, I was on a cafe veranda outside (Murphy’s in the Highlands for those that would know that location) sipping from a purchased bottle of wine days before doing a LOT of travel. It was one of those milestone “things are good” moments. Thanks Trey, It’s a wonderful wine you have. I can imagine the blood sweat and tears that goes into making each and every bottle. Yummy!
Cheers everyone! We hope you have a wonderful Christmas season with good food, good company, and a special wine to provoke good memory. Here’s to our health!
Trey’s wine can be purchased at http://SofHcellars.com.
Happy washing!
~Regina