Imagine a candlelight
dinner, a white tablecloth, and soft music.
The table is filled with that special
laughter of old friends reminiscing and
telling stories. The friends have already
finished their savory appetizers. Roasted
lamb is on the way. A waiter approaches with
an expensive bottle of red wine. The friends
wait in anticipation.
Why is it so special? Why are there love stories that sing of its charm.
For centuries, it has stood as a
magnificent red rose upon the tables of
history. What is so special about this
ancient beverage? How has it so successfully
captured our imagination?
For starters, much of its strength is found in tradition. We read about it
in books and we see it in movies. It is a
part of our lives. We buy it, we drink it,
we even cook with it. It is a part of who we
are and what we do. Science has even been
telling us that it can be a healthy part of
our diets. Red wine can lower blood
pressure, improve cholesterol, delay aging,
and even help overcome obesity. It is rich
in antioxidants.
In particular, it contains a very special antioxidant called “resveratrol,”
which has been found to increase energy,
muscle composition, and circulation. A study
conducted by The International Journal of
Cancer points out that red wine even appears
to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. While
we can’t forget the dangers of alcohol
consumption, we also can’t ignore the many
benefits. When used responsibly and in
moderation, it can be a great blessing.
Whether you’re a fan of
Merlot, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or Shiraz, it is
important to remember that red wine is a
year-round delicacy. With a light chill, red
wine can be an excellent summer refreshment.
Red meat and red wine and are like brother
and sister. A summer cookout without red
wine is a summer cookout that could sure use
some red wine.
The sweet liquid is known for its palate
enhancing powers. A small sip, and your
taste buds are cleansed of oils, suffused
with flavor, and primed for another
succulent bite. Spicy beef, salty cheese,
garlicky chicken, and other tasty dishes are
not only more enjoyable with a glass of red
wine, but actually serve to enhance the very
wine tasting experience. The rich flavors
join the party and add to the overall
sensation.
Enjoying a glass of red wine with your meal
can even help satisfy your hunger with less
calories. By slowly savoring the wine,
cleansing your mouth between bites, and
taking your time as you eat, you end up
feeling satisfied with less. Your stomach is
given time to send signals to your brain
that you are full. So please, drink red
wine, eat well, and enjoy.
