The day after the snow storm we all gathered in my apartment, eating cheese and crackers while debating loudly over just about anything. I opened a bottle of Santa Ema Reserve, slithered back into the recliner, and took a sip. Simply de.li.cious.
But just how would I describe this wine if someone asked me? I certainly couldn’t say delicious, that’s not a term one uses to describe wine — you don’t have to be a wine snob to know that. Yet, I couldn’t find my own words to describe the feeling I felt after taking a sip. Then, I found this:
“In Europe we thought of wine as something as healthy and normal as food and also a great giver of happiness and well being and delight. Drinking wine was not a snobbism nor a sign of sophistication nor a cult; it was as natural as eating and to me as necessary.”
These words, they felt…so right, as though Ernest Hemingway had written them for me.
His mere fifty-one words, these 213 characters perfectly described how I feel about wine.
I am not a connoisseur – my appreciation is simple. The way I choose is my wine is quite effortless: if it tastes good, I will drink it, then I will recommend it to others.
I don’t want to feel incredibly ignorant for buying this bottle of Santa Ema Reserve 2005 — almost completely without direction. I noticed the bottle for two reasons: the wine spectator rating of 89, and its harsh black label and simple statement, “reserve”. Reserve = hold for Just Eat Smart.
Some facts: the bottle isn’t as pretty, as say, the deep, rich red color when poured into a glass. But what the bottle is lacking in design, the wine certainly makes up for in taste.
While some of you may feel guilty for drinking yet another holiday drink, don’t. Wine, in moderation, is good for you. Here are a few reasons why:
Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in the skin of grapes and other plants. They are excellent antioxidants (the vitamins, minerals and enzymes in foods that protect the cells in your body from damage caused by the normal process of metabolism and ward off chronic disease.) Polyphenols are also known to lower total cholesterol and blood pressure, lessen risks of cancer, stimulate the immune system, and have anti-bacterial properties.
Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol (or antioxidant) found in red wine. A naturally occurring antioxidant, it decreases the stickiness of blood platelets and helps blood vessels remain open and flexible. Who can say no to that?
Flavonoids: Red grapes contain flavonoids, another powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives.
Reducing coronary heart diseases: Wine lowers the total cholesterol count, and raises the high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
Maintains the immune system: According to a study published by the University of Florida, red wine does not suppress the immune system like other alcoholic beverages. A study on mice (lucky mice!) has been performed to examine what immune system reactions red wine caused on mammals. The team examined mice of various drinking levels – non-drinkers, red wine drinkers, and heavy alcohol drinkers. They found that those who drank the red wine had a normal level of immunity, the same as that of the non-drinking mice.
Anti-stress: wine does have a calming influence (surprise, surprise). The fact that a dinner is accompanied by a drink which helps the body relax and unwind can help the mental transition between work and relaxation. Also, people fighting other illnesses can combat them better when calm and focused.
Anti-bacterial activity: In a study of 1800 people, scientists tested for the presence of Helicobacter pylori, which causes ulcer infections. Compared to non-drinkers, those who had one glass of wine a day had 7% fewer of these bacteria. Those who drink two glasses a day had 18%, and those who drank 3 or more glasses had 1/3 fewer bacteria.