Grape wine is a classic drink by itself or alongside your favorite snack or desert. Grape wine is world renowned and has been enjoyed for its bold, classic taste. More people are seeking out grape wine not just for the flavor but also for its health benefits.
Types
Winemakers use several different varieties of grapes to create their products. E.C. Krauss explains there are three main classifications of grapes; these include European wine grapes, native wine grapes and native wild grapes. European wine grapes include favorites such as pinot noir, foch, merlot and vignoles. European-based wines generally taste sweet and make popular desert wines. Native wild grapes include Concord, Niagara, Delaware and Catawba. Produced in North America, these grapes carry a sharp and robust flavor. Native wild grapes include frost, fox and muscadine. A native grape contains a great deal of acid. It boasts a strong aroma and a distinct, pungent flavor.
Uses
Grape wine can be used on several occasions. A glass pairs up well with dinner. Consumer Reports states that the merlot wine can be matched up with grilled, broiled and roasted chicken, meat or fish. A pinot, which is a light, dry wine, pairs up nicely with seafood. A chardonnay that has been well seasoned in an oak barrel accompanies finger foods that have rich creamy sauces such as Italian dishes of Alfredo or linguine and sauce.
Nutritional Values
Consumption of wine dates back more than 6,000 years to the Egyptians, who drank it because of its healing power, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you are watching your diet, it is important to know what the nutritional value is of the wine you are drinking. This can vary slightly because of homemade wines without ingredients or labels and the age of the wine. "Good Housekeeping" reports that a 5 oz. serving of red or white wine contains approximately 120 calories.
Health Benefits
Grapes contain antioxidants, which may alleviate some common health problems. Aging skin, heart disease and cancer are some of things you may be able to prevent with a glass of wine a day. MayoClinic.com states that wine contains resveratrol, which may reduce blood cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, stroke and long-term damage to blood vessels.
Warning
Grape wine varies in its alcohol content. Alcohol Contents explains that on average, the alcohol content of one glass of unfortified wine measures about 11.5 percent. A fortified glass of wine measures about 17.5 percent alcohol. Drinking a glass or two of wine can leave you impaired, so use caution when driving or operating machinery.
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