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A toast to your Valentine's heart
Valentine's Day usually turns into thoughts of love, romance and celebrate the moment with a meal pleasant and, possibly, a glass of champagne. Restaurants plan menus that offer three of the five courses with wine optional. And chocolate desserts are a fact.
My thoughts turn in this romantic Valentine's Day to the conclusion (hopefully) the good health of that special person in your life. He raised a glass of red wine may play a role in this process.
Health Benefits
Whether the wine is good for you is a hot topic of debate in those days. It is a challenge for the medical community to come out in favor of alcohol, but are intrigued by the benefits of a glass of red wine.
Numerous Studies show that wine may have some positive health benefits by reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Like most things, moderation is the key. It is recommended that men have no more than two drinks per day and women should limit their consumption to one drink per day.
Red wine is a rich source of antioxidants that may reduce the risk of heart disease. Chemical compounds (resveratrol) in grape skins and seeds to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by thinning the blood, reducing the risk of blood clots and arterial plaque formation and raising the good cholesterol (HDL). As red wine is kept in contact with the skins of the grapes more time, red wine has been found that high levels of resveratrol.
Red wine is a universal panacea for good health? Regrettably there is not, as some medical conditions can worsen with alcohol consumption. It is always advisable to consult your doctor if you have any questions.
Style of life with wine
An interesting discussion in the culinary world is the French paradox. While the French have a diet rich in saturated fats (butter ie, cheese, chocolate, pate de foie gras), have a lower incidence of heart disease and a longer life expectancy than Americans. As the French regularly consume more red wine, it was speculated that this was the decisive factor in this paradox.
The French Paradox was broadcast on "60 Minutes" in 1991, and suggested that red wine can reduce the incidence of heart disease.
Digging deeper into the subject of French and American health trends I took a book called "French Women Do not Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure" by Mireille Guiliano.
She explores the difference between American and views of French food. She acknowledges that the French love their food. The differences are reduced portion sizes, eating only good value / Natural foods, eat slowly and savor the moment.
Americans tend to be in a hurry, swallow our food, eat portions that are too large and eating foods that are too advanced. She mentions that if you overdo it one day, reducing their food intake the next.
It also notes that the French walk more, to avoid traffic congestion.
Conclusions
What was learned:
• The food and wine is a lifestyle management
• Moderation in food and wine consumption is the key
• Add lots of food and calorie intake
• Exercise more, walk when possible
• Eat a good quality, pure, unprocessed foods
• Eat slowly, small bites of food
• Enjoy food – focus on food and drink
• A glass of red wine may provide health benefits
• A good wine improves the synchronization of the food (which I know!)
Bill Wine Selections (With suggested retail)
Chandon Rose Sparkling Wine NV (California) – Wine Spectator 87 pts: $ 17
Juan Gil Jumilla Wine Red (Spain) – Robert Parker 90 + pts. 2004-2006: $ 15
Tait The Ball Buster Red owner (Australia) Robert Parker, 91 pts. 2008: $ 18
Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon (California) 2007 vintage not worth: $ 11
Wine of the Month
7 deadly Zins: I could not resist suggesting this name came capricious Day St. Valentine. This old Zinfandel vine 2007 California received a TP 90. Robert Parker rating. He describes this as "… a knock-out bargain. Aged in oak completely American, is charged with berry fruit, pepper, spices, and soil characteristics. This rich, full-bodied, opulent, lush Zinfandel can be drunk now and in the coming years. "Happy Valentine's Day and enjoy this delicious red wine.
Suggested retail price: $ 15.
About the Author
Bill Garlough is a Level 1 Master Sommelier and an owner of My Chef Catering in Naperville, IL, the winner of the U.S. Chamber’s 2007 Small Business of the Year award. Bill can be reached at My Chef or bgarlough@mychef.com
Antinori on Tignanello l Wine Spectator