By Neil Shrodo of Super Buy-Rite JC
The history of red wine goes back centuries and spreads across the globe, from classic European wines like Bordeaux or Burgundy to the great Italian reds like Brunello and into the new world of Napa Cabernets, Argentine Malbecs and Australian Shiraz. They are varied in style and pair well with a wide variety of foods. And recently, science has given us a new reason to explore these red wines and whether they are good for your health.
Every year, there is more evidence that a glass (or two!) of red wine per day leads to some surprising health benefits. First red wines contain resveratrol, essential in combating the free radicals that cause damage to otherwise healthy cells. Resveratrol also has been found to reduce insulin resistance and may help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Next, there is mounting evidence that the phenols in red wine act as blood thinners and help reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke. Red wine may also help increase bone density, due to the high levels of silicon it contains, and it has also been found in some studies to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by keeping the brain’s neurons from dying off.
Photo by Apolo Photographer
Lastly, the antioxidants in red wine have been found to combat colon, ovarian and prostate cancers with a study from Harvard Medical School showing a significant reduction in prostate cancer diagnoses when comparing men who have between four and seven glasses of red wine per week to those who do not.
Here is a list of 10 red wines that we would recommend to those who want to explore the world of red wines and possibly tap into a wide variety of health benefits.
1. Vin Takin Cotes du Rhone – France ($9.99)
Medium-bodied, with bright red berry and cherry flavors.
2. L’Conti Pinot Noir – France ($9.99)
Smooth and elegant, with black cherry and a hint of earthiness.
3. Sophenia Malbec – Argentina ($12.99)
Black currant, tobacco and dark fruits. Excellent with red meats.
4. Santi Valpolicella – Italy ($12.99)
Medium-bodied red in the Ripassa style, with blackberry jam and chocolate notes.
5. The Rite Bourbon Barrel Red – California ($12.99)
Medium-bodied red blend aged in bourbon barrels. Easy drinking with hints of bourbon on the finish.
6. Château de Camarsac Prince Noir – France ($12.99)
Smooth and round with classic notes of cassis and red currants and subtle spice on the finish.
7. Jose de Sousa – Portugal ($14.99)
A bold and complex red with flavors of dates and toasted brioche wrapped around a core of ripe plums.
8. Felsina Chianti Colli Senesi – Italy ($19.99)
Excellent Chianti, with rich cherry and black currants over fine tannins and a hint of raspberry.
9. Trefethen Cabernet – California ($49.99)
Full-bodied Cali Cabernet with a deep ruby color. Lots of cassis, chocolate and wood spice.
10. Elia Palazzesi Brunello di Montalcino – Italy ($69.99)
A potent Brunello loaded with complex flavors of black fruits, tobacco and lavender. Soft and rich.
Use discount code DIGEST15 for 15% non-sale items at Super Buy-Rite JC
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
