1. Color Matters
Researchers now know that people living in the Mediterranean region owe part of their heart health to the wine they consume with meals. Not all wines are equal in their ability to help the heart, though. Red wine contains a compound called resveratrol, a potent antioxidant in the skins and seeds of dark grapes. Although supplement manufacturers offer resveratrol in pill form, researchers caution that we don't know enough about the effects of this nonflavinoid to recommend supplementation. For now, people following the Mediterranean diet can choose Cabernet, Chianti, Merlot and Pinot Noir to complement their meals. Wine drinkers in the United States may not be as familiar with the red wine Sangiovese, but it pairs nicely with Mediterranean cuisine. Zinfandel is an option for those who prefer a lighter wine, but choose a rich red variety over the white zinfandel for the most resveratrol.
2. For Migraine Sufferers
If you cope with occasional migraine headaches, you might feel a twinge behind the eyes as you ponder how to incorporate the daily recommended glass of red wine into your diet. Some migraine patients experience sensitivity to sulfites, a preservative commonly used to extend the shelf life of red wine. This derivative of sulfur is a naturally occurring byproduct of fermentation, so it's impossible to avoid all sulfites when you drink red wine. However, some wineries are responding to consumer demand for sulfite-free wine, and if you buy wine certified by the USDA National Organic Program, you can be confident that the manufacture added no sulfites. Share a new bottle of sulfite-free red wine with some dining companions each day, as this wine spoils quickly.
3. Forget the Cork
For years, wine aficionados looked scornfully upon wine that came packaged in a box. This poses a problem for those who wish to pick wine for a Mediterranean diet, as doctors suggest a limit of one 5 oz. glass of wine per day for women or men over the age of 65, and two 5 oz glasses a day for men. If you sip your way through a standard 750 ml bottle of wine at this rate, your wine's hints of chocolate and oak are likely to give way to hints of vinegar and musty socks. Fortunately, for people on the Mediterranean diet, boxed wine has a lot more to offer now than its original emphasis on economy. Reputable vintners are producing quality boxed Cabernet, Merlot, and Shiraz wines for those who want to enjoy their purchase over a period of several weeks. Ask your local wine purveyor for a recommendation.
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