Many of us love celebrations. Whether it’s about getting a promotion, celebrating occasions such as birthdays, weddings, Christmas, New Year or Valentine’s day where you can propose a toast and enjoy a glass of fine drink. While there are many kinds of alcoholic drinks, many people choose to drink wine. And even though this drink is a party staple, many people also drink wine to feel calmer, reduce stress and anxiety. Due to its impact on the central nervous system, it slows down your brain’s thought process, which decreases these conditions.
Wine is a well-known alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of different kinds of fruits, but grape juice is commonly used. Although wine nowadays has come a long way from the early times, it is undeniable that the foundations of the wine industry started a long time ago. Believed to originate from ancient China wherein wine made from rice and grapes were found from 7000 BC, wine has many stories about its birthplace. While wines are abundant in Italy, many claims state that they didn’t start there. Stories about finding the earliest wine evidence in Iran, Georgia, and Armenia are in existence, too.
At present, there are many different kinds of wine from different parts of the world. People have managed to make wine part of special gatherings, and the prices of these drinks vary from affordable to super expensive ones. While there are almost two hundred types of wines globally, here are some common types of wine and what they are.
Red Wine – This is the most common wine widely available in the market. This type of still wine is made from dark-coloured grapes. It is obtained by crushing and fermenting the fruit and can have an alcohol content of 12% to 15%. Red wines are often linked to Frenchy Paradox wherein it is said that although french people consume high fat and cholesterol-rich food, they have a lower risk of developing heart disease due to their consumption of this drink.
In addition, red wine is packed with antioxidants, namely resveratrol, epicatechin, proanthocyanidins and catechins, which are responsible for the health benefits wine can give to its consumers. These antioxidants can help promote heart health, fight cancer, can help with inflammation, blood clotting and reduce the risk of having a stroke.
Furthermore, red wine helps the body retain good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood and can also reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). Red wine indeed has many beneficial effects because it is also seen to help lower the risk of developing dementia and depression. There are 32 varieties of red wine that comprise the market nowadays in which some names may be familiar to you, and you’ve heard one way or another. Some of them include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon;
- Merlot;
- Zinfandel;
- Syrah/Shiraz;
- Malbec.
White Wine – Crisp, tart and aromatic are some of the characteristics of this drink. Some people say it is too sweet and not as sophisticated as its cousin, which is red wine, but white wines have their own acidity and nature. While there are other fruit juices used in making wines, white wines are also made of grape juice. If red wine is made from dark-coloured grapes, white wine, on the other hand, is made from white grapes or for some, they use the same juice used in red winemaking but without the skin of the fruit.
Simply put, the colour of wines lies on the skin rather than the pulp. This cousin of red wine has not been studied as much as the dark-coloured drink, but clinical studies are growing. So far, some studies have been able to establish some beneficial effects of white wine. It has been found that white wine, similar to red wine, can help with cholesterol management and can benefit heart health. Other research suggests that this clear liquid may help with weight loss and possibly have anti-ageing properties because of its richness in antioxidants. Some common white wines are:
- Chardonnay;
- Sauvignon Blanc;
- Pinot Grigio;
- Riesling;
- Gewürztraminer;
- Moscato.
Rosé Wine – Fresh, fruity and savoury is how this kind of wine is often described. You may notice different notes of fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, citrus and flowers when you take a sip, but this is due to different grapes used to make it. This lovely pink drink is a favourite kind of wine during the summer and spring seasons. It has become an attractive party wine that is not only pleasing to the eyes but also to the taste buds of many.
Often referred to as Rosé, it is made of any red grapes or a combination of different kinds, such as Grenache, Sangiovese, Syrah, mourvèdre, carignan, cinsault and pinot noir. The pink colour of Rosé is due to its shorter period of maceration. Maceration is the term used when the skin and juice are mixed, and the skin’s colour bleeds into the juice.
While winemakers only macerate for a few hours to a day, the intensity of the pink colour varies depending on the maceration method used. Similar to white and red wines, Rosé is also seen to be beneficial in heart health, decreasing the risk of developing heart attack and heart disease. It also has fewer calories which makes it a good option if you’re on a diet. Some common kinds of Rosé are:
- White Zinfandel;
- White merlot;
- Pink Moscato.
Infused Wines
CBD Wine. This innovative drink is a combination of wine and CBD oil. Known for its many therapeutic effects, you can now enjoy your glass of wine with the additional effects of this hemp derivative. Many CBD fanatics use CBD products and inflammation, but its beneficial effects don’t stop there. Numerous people have reported that the use of CBD oil helps with sleep management, stress and anxiety. With this innovation, you won’t have to buy these two things separately.
Herbal Wine. This kind of wine is made through the incorporation of herbs in wines. Sometimes referred to as medicinal wine, this type of drink is usually used to help with some health conditions. While you can find herbal wines in the market, you can also create your own by steeping your herb of choice in wine for a couple of days.
There are different herbs and spices that can be infused into herbal wines. These include holy basil, which is rich in antioxidants, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties; lemongrass, which can help with gastrointestinal problems; peppermint, which has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, and many other kinds of herbs that have beneficial health effects.
