Wine is one of the most popular, classic, and classy kinds of alcoholic drinks made from fermented grapes. This legendary drink has been produced ever since a long time ago, for thousands of years. People can find the earliest evidence of wine’s existence since ancient Georgia (6000 BC). They can be a good companion for a wide range of cuisines, from the traditional and simple dishes to the most sophisticated cuisines. Surprisingly, not only is it a tasty companion for dinner at a fancy restaurant, but wine also has a lot of benefits for our health. People can even consume it in the morning for many health benefits!
The Types of Wine
There are many varieties of wine, made from different grapes, range from dry to sweet. However, the main classifications of wines are divided into four types: red wine, white wine, rose wine, and sparkling wines or also known as Champagne. This article will take you through each different kinds of wine, its most popular types, and their benefits for our well-being.
1. Red wine
Red wine is made from black grapes and has light to dark colour shades. There are several varieties of its sweetness, from dry to very sweet. Some of the most popular varietals of red wines are:
- Cabernet Sauvignon, dubbed as the “King of Red Wine Grapes”, originally came from Bordeaux, France. Their taste is described as bold, rich, and robust, often used to accompany red meat dishes.
- Pinot Noir originated from the Burgundy region of France that usually produces some of the finest wines worldwide. Their taste is lighter than Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a fruity and soft taste. They often paired with duck, chicken, pork, and mushrooms.
- Merlot originated from Bordeaux, France. Its colour is dark-blue, and the name derived from the French word ‘blackbird’. It has a balanced towards a slightly sweeter flavour. It matches with a wide variety of foods, from pizza, roast turkey, even lamb or filet mignon.
- Zinfandel, grown originally in California. This wine usually cost less expensive than the other famous wines listed above. It is often sweet and fruity, but it depends on the grapes’ ripeness when making it. They pair well with Moroccan and Turkish spices.
2. White wine
White wines often made using green grapes, but sometimes they are made from black grapes too. They have a range variety of flavours, from light and zesty to rich and creamy taste. Some of the most popular varietals of white wines are:
- Chardonnay is a dry, medium to full-bodied wine with crisp and clean flavours or rich and oaky flavours. They usually show fruity flavours such as pear, apple, and citrus, but it also depends on how the grape’s climate was grown. They are a perfect companion for lobsters.
- Sauvignon Blanc, their taste is the easiest to identify because they always have crisp and high acidity, giving grassy, herbal or bell pepper flavours. They can be perfect for light foods or foods with greens, like Thai or Vietnamese cuisine.
- Reisling, this type of white wine offers a fruity or flowery aroma, but its taste ranges from dry to sweet. They are the perfect companion for spicy foods.
- Pinot Blanc, offer a refreshing, peachy, and dry flavour. They are best suited with foods that have subtle flavourings like salads with creamy dressings or soft cheeses.
3. Rose wine
Rose wine is made from black grapes which skin has been removed before the wine is coloured. Rose wine can also be made by blending white and red wine, resulting in a dry to sweet flavour. Some varietals of rose wines are:
- Grenache, originated from Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. They have a rich and flavorful taste. Their taste is suited for roasted meats and vegetables with Asian spices.
- Cabernet France, their taste is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon. They have a raspberry, bell pepper and bramble aroma. There are perfect for tomato-based dishes and vinegar-based sauces.
4. Sparkling wine
Sparkling wine is a bubbly wine that requires second fermentation to produce the bubbles, either from rose, red, or white wine. The most iconic sparkling wine is Champagne. Champagne’s flavour and aroma are determined by the three grapes used in producing it, the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. They mostly have citrus and apple-like aromas. They are a perfect companion for fried food, even BBQ chicken, and anything that’s salty.
The Health Benefits of Wine
Now you have learned about the types of wine; we will talk about how wine can brings us health benefits. There are still some ongoing researches about why wine is said to be “one of the most powerful elixirs” known to man. But we should keep in mind that they should only be consumed moderately, not in large quantities, to bring health benefits. If you drink too lot, it will give you zero health benefits and even negative impacts on your health. Below are the benefits of drinking wine in such a moderate amount.
1. Wine for the longevity of life
Wine has been proven to support the longevity of life via resveratrol that can be found in red wines. It is a powerful antioxidant that can help our body fight off free radicals to protect our cells and organs well. Resveratrol also promotes health by increasing the activity of sirtuins protein that protects our body against ageing diseases.
2. Wine for our healthy heart
Consuming one to two wines per day may reduce the risk of having cardiovascular diseases by decreasing bad cholesterol while increasing the good cholesterol so we can reduce the risk for heart diseases. Furthermore, wines prevent the formation of blood clots.
3. Wine prevents obesity
The resveratrol in wine helps to burn the fat and reduce the damaging effects of smoking. It is also able to reduce inflammation and the ageing process and prevent cardiac ailments associated with obesity.
4. Wine for a healthier skin
With the high level of antioxidants, applying wine directly to the skin can inhibit the growth of bacteria that might cause acne and can help to maintain healthy skin, increasing the elasticity and keeping the skin bright and glowing. If consumed as a drink, it can help stimulate blood circulation to prevent wrinkle formation and skin ageing. Note that it will only take effect if you drink moderately. If you drink in excess, the hormone flow will lose its balance and resulting in skin dehydration, increasing the chances of acne.
