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By The Glass Ryan Shiinoki |
Always consult with
a physician before
adding wine to your dietThe recent diagnosis of a friend with Type 2 diabetes raised the question, "Can I still have an occasional drink or glass of wine?" The thought of possibly never having a drink again was shocking, as moderate wine consumption had always been part of my friend's social, cultural and family lifestyle.
To answer the question, consider this these recommendations from the American Diabetes Association:
>> Always consult your physician concerning changes in your diet.Diabetics are at greater risk for coronary heart disease, and with many studies touting the benefits of red wine, adding the occasional glass to your diet seems like a good idea. But it is easy to be stumped by which red wine to pick.>> Know how wine or alcohol will affect your diabetes and any other health condition(s).
>> If you choose to drink, do so with a meal and no more than two drinks a day for men or one for women.
For the novice wine/former beer drinker, it is especially intimidating to see that football field-length aisle in the grocery store. Not to worry, this might help.
Researchers at the University of California at Davis have determined that the most beneficial choice is cabernet sauvignon, followed by petit syrah and pinot noir. Merlot, zinfandel and white wines (sweet and dry styles) had lower levels of beneficial antioxidants. The bottom-line: The drier the better, especially for diabetics.
Reds are not the easiest place to start when considering the inclusion of wine and their health benefits to your diet. Cabernet sauvignon and petit syrah are two of the most full-bodied wines out there and may prove difficult for beginners because of their firm, chewy, tooth-drying tannins. So here are two wines to try, a cabernet and a pinot noir, which are tasty and approachable:
Ron and Jamie McMannis are fourth-generation farmers and have been cultivating quality wine grapes since 1995. Their vineyards are located between San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, just south of Lodi, Calif. The fruit-forward styled McMannis Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 has sweet black cherries, plums, herbs and smooth tannins. It is a good value at just under $10.
The Edna Valley Pinot Noir 2000 from San Luis Obispo is an equally great choice at around $17.
Winemaker Harry Hansen has crafted a wine rich in berries, dried cherries and soft luscious tannins that linger in the finish. With its subtle acidity, this pinot noir is a versatile match with food and an ideal starting point for novice red-wine drinkers.
If you are diabetic, remember to consult your health-care provider before making changes to your diet, especially concerning wine and alcohol. To my friend, 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
