Red wine is one of the world’s most popular drinks. It has been around since ancient times, and it continues to be enjoyed today in many different cultural settings. As a result, there is an abundance of red wines available today. While some people prefer white wine or rosé, red wine is the second most commonly consumed alcoholic drink worldwide after water. Moreover, red wine is also known as a heart-healthy beverage because of its high concentration of antioxidants like resveratrol and polyphenols.
Thus, it is no wonder that so many people love it so much!
What is red wine?
Red wine is a drink made from the juice of grapes. It is fermented to produce alcohol and then aged in oak barrels. Unlike white wine, red wine is usually aged in barrels. This allows the grape juice to infuse the wood with its flavour. Barrel ageing also changes the colour of the wine making it darker.
The main varieties of red wine are:
- Red grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and more
- Ruby red – Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Syrah
- Red with purple hints – Petit Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc
- Rich and full red – Zinfandel, Syrah, Carignan and more
- Sweet red – Malbec
Benefits of drinking red wine
Red wine is a healthy beverage that provides many health benefits. Studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of wine is associated with many health benefits.
Most notably, red wine is a potent source of resveratrol, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of certain diseases and conditions, including:
Heart disease
Wine has been shown to improve heart health. One study found that drinking red wine regularly is associated with a 41% lower risk of developing heart failure. Moreover, one study found that red wine could reduce blood pressure and improve endothelial function, which are measures of heart health.
Stroke
Red wine has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke. One study found that drinking moderate amounts of wine was associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of stroke.
Alzheimer’s disease
Alcohol, including red wine, has been shown to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. One study found that drinking two glasses of red wine daily reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 18%.
Diabetes
Wine has been shown to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. One study found that frequent wine drinkers had a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than those who did not drink wine.
Types of Red Wine
White wine – White wine is made from the juice of white grapes. Deep red wine – Deep red wine is made from the juice of red grapes that have been allowed to age in oak barrels. Young red wine – Young red wine is made from the juice of red grapes that have not been fully fermented and have yet to be aged in oak barrels.
How to enjoy the benefits of red wine?
There are several methods to enjoy red wine. Ideally, allow the bottle to sit at room temperature for a few days before opening it. This allows the corks to “rest” and “cure”, which improves the taste of the wine. Serve chilled wine to enjoy its best flavour. Although many prefer room temperature, it is best for red wine because it keeps its colour. Keep wine bottles in a dark, cool place for storage. This prevents the wine from oxidizing, which leaves it with a sour taste. When serving red wine, use a wine glass. This prevents the wine from oxidizing when it comes into contact with the bottle.
Drink it with dinner
Not only does drinking red wine with your main meal make for a tasty pairing, but it’s also a great way to get the benefits of red wine. You can enjoy a glass of red wine with your dinner. Since red wine is usually served with high-calorie foods like steak and fish, you should try to eat a low-calorie meal before drinking.
Drink it with Fish and Poultry
When drinking red wine with fish and poultry, you should pair it with a low-acid wine like a merlot or a cabernet sauvignon. These wines have a relatively low acidity, which helps preserve the flavour of the fish.
If you are drinking red wine with fish, try to match it with lighter-coloured fish like mackerel, herring or sardines, since these fish are more likely to have a yellowish or orange colour.
Drink it With Beef and Pork
A good way to enjoy the benefits of red wine is to drink it with beef and pork. Both of these foods are high in iron, which helps your body transport oxygen to your cells and keeps your energy levels up.
Pair red wine with beef by cooking it with a mild pepper such as bell pepper or red onion to reduce the strong flavour of beef. Similarly, try to pair your pork with a milder type of pork, like pork loin.
Drink It With Game and Eggs
For an exciting pairing, try drinking red wine with a game and eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein, which helps build and repair muscles. Moreover, they are also rich in amino acids, which help reduce oxidative stress and maintain the body’s antioxidant defences.
When paired with red wine, eggs are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins. Vitamin E, for instance, helps protect your skin from harmful UV damage. Moreover, antioxidants like lycopene and carotenoids help protect your heart and eyes.
Summary
Drinking red wine may seem like a simple way to enjoy the health benefits of this delicious beverage, but there are many factors to consider. When choosing a red wine, you have many options to choose from, in terms of grape varieties and wine styles.
As you explore the many types of red wines, you will discover that there are many flavours and styles to enjoy. From sweet wines to robust red wines, there is something for everyone. Now that you know everything you need to know about red wine, you can enjoy all the benefits associated with drinking this delicious beverage.
