At long last there is something I actually like that will supposedly make me live longer! Studies in a London medical school shows that wines from around a Southeasterly village in France called Madiran have significant health benefits. This appellation uses a grape called Tannat which is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to produce full-bodied, fruity and tannic wines. The study showed that life expectancy was higher in this area due to high levels of Procyanidins - Wha??
Procyanidins are antioxidants which can also be found in dark chocolate, blueberries, green tea etc and lets be honest red wine wins every time! They are present in all red wines (lower levels are also found in whites)but are particularily high in wines from this area. This is not only down to the Tannat grape but also the wine making techniques in Madiran. Winemakers from this region leave the Tannat grapes in contact with the seeds which increases the amount of these antioxidants in the resulting wine. As well as their antioxidant benefits, they also help to repair arteries in the heart apparently and if that's their story I am happy to stick with it! In fact there has also been a book written about it called The Wine Diet which talks extensively about the health benefits to these wines (as with everything in moderation). From the Madiran wines I have tasted, these are not gluggable wines so even if you wanted to use this as your excuse, moderation is necessary but they match beautifully with richly flavoured foods.
The Madiran we stock is a blend of 70% tannat, 25% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc and called Galets Rouges 2008. It is a deep crimson colour with spice and cherries on the nose. Mouth puckering tannins but plenty of dark fruit flavours and vanilla balance it all out resulting in a gorgeous long finish. It definitely needs food and if like me you enjoy strongly flavoured meats with dark rich sauces this is the wine for it. Tried wood pigeon for the first time the other night and loved it so think this might be a match.
Don't know if I believe all the hype or that I can justify my 20-a-day habit now that I have found these wines but apart from their apparent health benefits it makes for great drinking and for €13.99 well-priced.
Till Next time
Clare
CELLARS,NAAS ROAD
CONSUME AND ENJOY IN MODERATION
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