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By The Glass Ryan Shiinoki |
Health benefits worth
toasting, in moderationDuring Prohibition (1920 to 1933) most medical texts were purged of references to wine and its potential health benefits. But in the last decade, research on wine and its beneficial properties has persuaded a growing number of medical professionals that moderate wine consumption can be a healthy practice.
This is by no means a prescription to drink every day. Before you choose to drink wine for health reasons, consult your physician and make sure your "consumption" does not put you or others at risk.
Wine's healthy properties could be summed up in the phrase, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." This point is illustrated by a study published earlier this year in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. This study showed that moderate wine consumption, which equates to a glass (4 ounces) a day, dramatically decreased the risk of peptic ulcers in its participants. Let's see ... 10 to 14 days of treatment (antibiotics, acid suppressers, painkillers, bland-diet therapy), or a glass a day ... Hmmm.
If you wish to drink for health reasons and are feeling adventurous, try something from South America, perhaps Chile or Argentina. The top choices from these regions would be cabernet sauvignon and malbec.
Rich in character and seductive flavors, these two wines are surefire crowd pleasers with immense potential!
From the Maipo Valley in central Chile, we have Cousino Macul's Cabernet Sauvignon 2000. This Old World-styled cabernet, from one of Chile's historic grand estates, is an enchanting wine with layers of dry tart cherries, minerals and spice. The finish is soft, elegant and memorable. An unbelievable "diamond in the rough," priced at less than $7 a bottle.
Produced in Mendoza, Argentina, Bodega Lurton's Malbec 1999 is a bold and intriguing wine with ties extending to one of Bordeaux's highly respected chateau owners, André Lurton. His sons, Jacques and Francois, have crafted a wine with bountiful layers of soft, luscious cherries and an immeasurable, velvety texture. This is a must have at just under $6 a bottle.
Having a glass of wine a day for health reasons, ulcers or otherwise, is gaining in popularity. Remember that moderation is where the greatest benefits lie, and always consult your physician before making changes to your diet concerning wine or alcohol.
To everyone this holiday season, a moderate toast to your continued good health!
Kampai!
Ryan Shiinoki is an associate at R. Field Wine Co. and holds degrees in human nutrition and culinary arts.
This column is a weekly lesson in wine pairing written by a rotating panel of wine professionals. Write to features@starbulletin.com