It's Wine O'Clock

Looking for another reason to enjoy a glass of wine??

The men and women of Sardinia, Italy enjoy moderate consumption of locally made Cannonau wine and they have the world's highest concentration of male centenarians and are a designated Blue Zone! 

Blue Zones were identified in 2004 as places where people consistently have longer lifespans. Over a decade or so of research has identified a list of 9 factors that prolong life in theses established regions. Among these factors was drinking some form of alcohol. Sardinians are famous for their daily consumption of the robust, regional red wine called Cannonau aka "Garnacha" (Spain), "Garnatxa" (Spain).

Cannonau wine has TWO TO THREE TIMES the level of artery-scrubbing flavonoids  as other wines. Another reason Sardinians may experience these wine health benefits is the way they consume it – always surrounded by good friends and good food! Good company makes everything better! 

There is an abundance of research to contribute to the theory that red wine is the healthiest wine.  Red wine is filled with organic chemicals that can serve as clot-inhibiting, bad cholesterol reducing, antioxidant-enriching properties. 

Positive health effects of wine drunk in moderation include:

• anti-atherosclerotic (anti-plaque in vessels) 
• antithrombotic (anti-clot formation)

This is due to the high levels of antioxidants (natural scavengers that prevent oxidation of other molecules by capturing cell-damaging free radicals) and resveratrol, a polyphenol found in the skin and seeds of red grapes, which is considered one of the agents that can inhibit cancer-feeding blood vessels.

FUN FACT:

In the process of wine making, the contact time between the liquid and grapes skins and seed during fermentation serves to extract these agents into the wine. The longer the contact, the greater are the concentrations of OPC’s – oligomeric procyanidins, another class of antioxidant bioflavanoids along with resveratrol.

Alright, but, will I like it??

American Grenache is both fruit-forward and aromatic with crisp acidity. American Grenache is often blended with a touch of Syrah to add tannin and smooth out the flavor. Depending on where it’s grown, Grenache often has subtle aromas of orange rinds and ruby-red grapefruit.

Grenache pairs perfectly with grilled, stewed and braised meats like beef, veal, pork, chicken and of course game.

Please drink responsibly! If you have questions, medical conditions or concerns please consult your physician.