Regardless of whether you only drink wine on date nights or indulge in a small glass every evening, chances are that you don’t know nearly as much about red wine as you should. The next time you hit the bar or go on a wine tour, use these red wine fun facts to impress your companions:
1. Moderate red wine consumption is healthy
People often assume that any form of drinking is unhealthy. The truth, however, is that moderate consumption of red wine can actually be great for your body! Red wine contains antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. That said, the keyword here is moderation. Overconsumption can turn the benefits into risks. Indulge in an occasional glass, but don’t give in to the whole bottle for the good of your health!
2. Tannin is the component that offers health benefits
Red wine is largely made up of water, alcohol, and polyphenol. Tannins are a type of polyphenol that gives off a certain bitter taste. Aside from wine, they are also present in chocolate, chickpeas, and even certain berries. One notable of tannin is procyanidin, which controls cholesterol plaque and fortifies your heart health.
3. There is “good” red wine and “not-so-good” red wine
Don’t be too quick to assume that every red wine is good for you. Those with more procyanidins, for instance, generally offer more health benefits. Tannat and Sagrantino are two examples of “good” red wines, while Pinot Noir may not be as beneficial. An easy way of estimating the health value of a wine is looking at its age. Old reds generally don’t offer as many health benefits as young reds since the former contains more tannin.
4. Most red wines are made from Vitis vinefera
Many people assume that each type of red wine is made from a different grape variety, but the truth is that most are made from a species called Vitis vinifera. There are certainly other varieties used, but they aren’t nearly as common. Here’s a bonus fun fact: Vitia vinifera was originally from Eastern Europe—not France!
5. White wines have higher sulphite levels compared to red wines
White wines generally have shorter shelf lives compared to red wines. This is because they aren’t as chemically stable and have more sulphites. Red wines are, for the most part, more stable and contain fewer sulphites.
6. The aromas in red wine often come from the grapes themselves
The aroma of berries, herbs, and chocolate that your nose picks up is not an added ingredient. In fact, they come from the grapes themselves! Those notes are derived from the grapes and intensified during the aging process.
Red wine can be absolutely fascinating, especially when you consider how so many different flavours can come from a single variety of grape. If you want to show off your newfound knowledge, consider going on a wine tour! Not only will it be a great opportunity to sip on different types of wine, but it will also help you expand your palate.
You don’t need to fly to Italy for a taste of some delicious wine. Australia is a fantastic place for some eye-opening flavours! Wilsons Wine Tours in Geelong have tours that are flexible to suit your preferences, and they will bring you to visit nothing but the best wineries in Australia.
If you’re looking for an Australian wine touring experience in the wineries of the Geelong region. Get in touch with Wilson Wines to book your tour today!
