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This Valentine’s Day, celebrate with a bottle of red wine — good for the heart and for showing your love.
More and more people are drinking red wine these days, not only because it’s insanely delicious but also because of the health benefits. Here are a few:
For the last decade, research has confirmed that moderate consumption of red wine improves cardiovascular health. This is attributed to antioxidants (also referred to as flavinoids) present in the skins and seeds of red grapes. These flavinoids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by: reducing your bad cholesterol (LDL), boosting your good cholesterol (HDL) and reducing blood clotting.
Resveratrol, an antioxidant also found in red wines, has also been found to stunt tumor development in some cancers. It also aids in nerve cell formation, helping reduce the possible onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Red wines with the highest number of flavinoids are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Petite Sirah. Also, the sweeter the wine, the fewer the flavinoids or antioxidants. Bottom line: Drink dry red wine.
Valentine’s values
Looking for an affordable and tasty Valentine’s Day wine? Opt for the Marquis de la Tour French sparkling wine at $11.99 a bottle; the Strong Arm Shiraz from Australia at $11 a bottle; and the Benjamin Tawny Port from Australia at $11.69 a bottle.
Here are some red choices:
Get giddy with some bubbles
Nicolas Feuillatte half-bottle French Rosé Champagne — $27.99
The crisp nature of the wine refreshes the palate and goes perfectly with almost any appetizer.
A dessert to sip
Fonseca Bin 27 Port half-bottle dessert wine, Oporto, Portugal — $10.59
When it comes to dessert wine, you don’t need a lot, and this half-bottle will be more than enough. It goes well with a chocolate dessert.
Zin for the main course
Ridge Lytton Springs 2006 Zinfandel, California — $35.79
With 80 percent Red Zinfandel, 16 percent Petite Sirah and 4 percent Carignane, this wine is not overly dry in style but jammy and fruit forward.
*Wine columnist Randa Warren is a Certified Master Sommelier; Certified Wine Educator; has earned a Diploma of Wine and Spirits, granted through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in England; and is a Certified Specialist of Spirits.
