The Oliver Winery, located in Bloomington, Indiana, was founded in 1972 by William Oliver, a law professor at Indiana University. The winery's first wine -- Camelot Mead -- was made from honey; today, Oliver Winery offers red, white and fruit wines. A glass of Oliver Winery red wine can be a healthy accompaniment to a meal, and may even help promote cardiovascular health
Features
Oliver Winery offers a variety of red wines. The winery's Merlot -- described on the website as featuring characteristics of berry and rose -- is made from California grapes and barrel aged for 15 months. Oliver Winery Cabernet Sauvignon is described as possessing soft fruit overtones and spicy aromatics, while the winery's Soft Red is made from Concord grapes and has a rich, fruity flavor.
Basics
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, a 5-oz. glass of red wine contains 122 calories and 3.69 g of carbohydrates. Like all wines, Oliver red wines are free of fat and cholesterol; they are also devoid of protein and fiber. A 5-oz. serving of Oliver red wine also contains 15.6 g of ethyl alcohol. Alcohol content is described in terms of proof spirit, which is calibrated at a 2 to 1 ratio; liquor containing 50 percent alcohol is listed as 100 proof. Most red wines are from 11 to 14 percent alcohol, or 22 to 28 proof.
Resveratrol and Alcohol
A glass of Oliver merlot may help cut your risk of cardiovascular disease. According to MayoClinic.com, research suggests that resveratrol -- a potent antioxidant found in red wine -- can prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce levels of unhealthy LDL cholesterol and help prevent blood clots. In addition, moderate amounts of alcohol -- in any beverage, not just red wine -- can raise your levels of healthy HDL cholesterol. MayoClinic.com points out that moderate servings are the key to red wine's health benefits. Excessive alcohol consumption puts you at risk for high blood pressure, liver damage and certain types of cancers. The website suggests limiting consumption to two drinks a day for men and one for women, and advises that pregnant women not drink at all.
Vitamins and Minerals
A glass of Oliver red wine contains modest amounts of assorted vitamins and minerals. According to the USDA, a 5-oz. serving of red wine offers up 187 mg -- roughly 5 percent -- of the Recommended Daily Value of potassium, essential for heart function and muscle contraction. It also contains 153.8 mg of fluoride -- necessary for healthy teeth and gums -- as well as 34 mg of phosphorus, required for bone formation. The same glass of red wine also contains 329 mg of vitamin B-3, or niacin, which helps to lower cholesterol levels.
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