Health & Wine

Most of us have heard of the health benefits of red wine. Studies have suggested that a moderate amount of red wine reduces the risk of heart attack in middle age men and women. Recent studies such as the French Paradox as well as research by Dr. Roger Corder (author of The Wine Diet) have also identified and placed on the top of the list, a few varietals deeply rich with procyandin ogligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC). OPCs are essentially polymer chains of flavonoids which suppress production of a protein that constricts the blood vessels. Furthermore, OPCs have antioxidant activity and play a role in the stabilization of collagen and elastin – two critical proteins in connective tissue that support organs, blood vessels and muscle tissue.

At the very top of the list of red wines high in OPC is the Tannat varietal. Dark, thick skinned and high in tannins, Tannat originated in the Madiran Appelation of southwest France and made its way to Uruguay in 1870 where European settlers discovered this grape reached optimal ripeness unlike where it originated in France. As the most widely planted grape in Uruguay, winemakers have perfected this grape producing high quality wines rich in anti-oxidants.