Wine can help women in middle-age

While it is said an apple a day can keep the doctor away, a new study has suggested a couple of glasses of wine a day for middle-aged women to keep diseases at bay.

A major study, which was launched in 1976, and involved 14,000 female nurses found the women, who took alcohol regularly throughout the week instead of on any single occasion, benefited the most.

The study has shown that by drinking between 15.1 gm and 30gm of alcohol a day - as much as two shots of spirits or nearly three small glasses of wine - women can improve their odds of "successful ageing" by 28 percent, a newspaper reported.
The US scientists behind the study have defined "successful ageing" as living to at least 70, being free of cancer, heart conditions and other chronic diseases, and suffering no significant mental or physical impairment.

Study authors, led by Qi Sun, from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, found that moderate drinking had "profound" positive effects on the body, reducing inflammation, cholesterol and other harmful processes.

Compared with non-drinkers, women who drank 5.1 to 15 grams of alcohol a day had a 19 percent greater likelihood of successful ageing. Those who drank 15.1 to 30 grams increased their odds by 28 percent, but those who had more reduced the benefits.

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Treasurer puts cork back on wine-tax proposal

TAXING wine in the same way as beer would earn the government an extra $1.5 billion. At the same time, it would cut sales of cask wine 61 per cent, boost sales of beer, and cut overall alcohol consumption 9 per cent.

The plan, tested in economic modelling by the Allen Consulting Group, will be unveiled at a forum in Parliament House today designed to pressure Treasurer Wayne Swan in the lead-up to the October tax summit.

Allen Consulting has told the Alcohol Education & Rehabilitation Foundation that taxing wine on the basis of price, while beer is taxed per unit of alcohol means men can use cask wine to exceed health guidelines for "a little over a dollar" while women can drink to excess for 50¢.

''The existing wine tax arrangements allow individuals who are seeking to consume alcohol irresponsibly to do so cheaply,'' the Allen report says. ''Incongruently, the regime also applies tax more heavily to individuals looking to purchase quality wines for the purposes of responsible consumption.

''The consequence is that irresponsible drinkers contribute little to the taxation revenue necessary to address alcohol-related harm in the community, whilst responsible drinkers do.'' The change proposed by Allen would double the price of cask wine and lift the price of premium bottles 17 per cent. It would remove the rebates enjoyed by small wineries, which Allen says larger wineries rort, ''turbo charging'' the wine glut.
The Allen proposals are similar to those put forward by the Henry Tax Review. Mr Swan rejected the recommendation, saying his government would not change alcohol tax ''in the middle of a wine glut and where there is an industry restructure under way''. Alcohol Education & Rehabilitation Foundation chief executive Michael Thorn said the report showed Mr Swan's argument to be hollow.

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The Cellar: New Zealand’s World-Class Wines

This week we travel to the isolated country of New Zealand and visit some of the world’s southernmost vineyards. While production levels are fairly small, the reputation is anything but. In fact, winemakers in New Zealand are thought to be among the best producers of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc in the world. For wine purposes, New Zealand is divided into two; the North Island and the South Island. The wine region of Marlborough, located on the northeastern tip of the Southern Island, is without a doubt the most famous wine-producing area. It is responsible for more than half of the country’s total production and more than 85% of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc. Despite being one of the country’s sunniest and driest regions, this area is still considered a ‘cool climate’ region when compared to other wine growing regions around the world.

Tohu (translates into ‘signature’) is New Zealand’s first Maori-owned wine operation. The Maori are strong believers in the spiritual connection between the land and all that is grown on it, and make wine following the mantra that their wines are a gift from the land. The 2009 vintage is sourced from Tohu’s Upton Downs Road Vineyard. This particular site in Marlborough experienced a wet period in late winter of the 2009 growing season, but thankfully a long dry spring ensued, so the grapes were able to reach optimum ripeness while the cool nights helped the wine keep its acidity, crispness and herbaceousness. (The growing seasons are "reversed" as this is the southern hemisphere.)

The result is a delicious Sauvignon Blanc and a great example of the style and value that has made this region’s Sauvignon Blancs famous. It is only around $15 but it brings a lot of flavor and intensity to the table. The aromas are vibrant, the flavors pop in your mouth and they are long lasting. It’s a complex wine with flavors spanning from citrus and tropical fruits, while also displaying blossom, herb and mineral notes – all deliciously balanced with mouthwatering acidity.

Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red grape in New Zealand. When at their best, Pinot Noirs from Marlborough can rival the best in world - even those of Burgundy. The style of Pinot made in New Zealand varies from producer to producer with some focusing on the more fruit-forward style, while others produce wines that are earthier with more pronounced savory flavors. Because of these variations Pinot Noir is said to be among the most versatile food wines available. Depending on the style, Pinot’s can stand up to everything from fish and poultry to other protein-rich meats and even creamy sauces and heavy seasoning.

The 2009 Pinot Noir from Framingham is a blend of several base Pinot Noirs made from grapes harvested from four different sites around Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. The winemakers appear to have been focusing on making a style of Pinot that is a bit more fruit-driven, as this is a soft and approachable wine displaying red fruit and only a touch of the game, herbs and the savory characteristics that Pinot Noir sometimes exhibits. I would go as far as to say that regardless of which style of Pinot you like this wine is sure to please because it has a little bit of everything going for it.

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Wine state of mind

Domestic wines have become key players in changing preferences from hard liquor to wines Sonia Martis can’t believe she’s nursing a bottle of Rose wine that costs Rs 670 without taxes. While this is the approximate cost price for a regular bottle of Indian wine in a local liquor shop, her glee must stem from the fact that she’s sitting at Ivy Grande in Khar, listening to lounge music, while a waiter refills her glass. “Now this is what I call value-for-money,” she professes.

But Indian-origin wines such as Zinfandel, Shiraz and Chardonnay aren’t the only ones that are affordable. The cafe also stocks international labels from Chile, France, Argentina and Australia and one of the priciest bottles will only set you back by Rs 1,800; approximately the same price as the cheapest bottle of wine on a usual restaurant wine menu around town. “Our international wines are bought in bulk. So, we negotiate rates with our suppliers,” says Sanjay Mirani, a partner at Ivy Grande.

With wine attracting more subsidies than hard liquor, its popularity is rising. For casual diners, it’s a staple for an evening out with friends, even on weekdays. It seems to be filling the large gap between soft drinks and hard liquor. What’s more, it isn’t international wines they want to fork out money for; it’s the local produce.

A big reason for this is the wine producers in India aggressively marketing their products, often tying up with restaurants to promote their wine. “In return, the restaurant is offered royalties or benefits like a bottle free for every bottle purchased,” says Moshe Shek, restaurateur and chef at Moshe’s in Mumbai.

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White Wine Types - What Goes Best With Certain Foods?

Pairing the perfect white wine types with a multicourse meal adds an elegant touch. Or relaxing with a cool glass of wine and a simple snack is an enjoyment for any occasion.

Wine Producing Regions
Many countries produce wine for local consumption and for export. The best known regions with the largest distributions worldwide are in France, California, Italy and Australia. Spain and New Zealand have suitable climates for growing white wine grapes and distribute their wines on a smaller scale. In Greece, wine production has been a way of life since early civilization and continues today.

Other European countries, for instance, Germany and Hungary produce regional varieties and export within Europe and overseas. South American countries, Argentina and Chile, for example, produce vast quantities of high quality wine. In France, the regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Alsace are known for their white wine types of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Voignier and Sauvignon. The same varieties are grown in California in the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valleys and the Central Coast regions. Australia also produces these varieties as well as Semillon and Pinto Grig. Champagne is produced only in France, sparkling wine can be found in California, Italy and many other countries.

Germany produces the wine types Rieslings and Gewürztraminer. Hungarian wines include Chardonnays, Reislings and blended table wines. The wine regions of Spain produce excellent grapes suitable for custom blends and moderately priced table wines. The Italians have extensive knowledge of wine making that has evolved through families for generations. In Italy, the regions from Sicily to Tuscany and Tyrol harbor age-old plantings that produce quality Pinot Grigio grapes.

Sweet Varieties
There are many variations of sweetness or tartness even within a particular type. A wine that is made from only one grape (not blended) is designated as a varietal wine. Typically, the sweeter varietals will always include Reislings. Occasionally, Gewürztraminer and Chenin Blanc can be sweet. Blended wines may have a sweet tendency depending on the grapes that are used. Sweet wines can be enjoyed alone or with cheese or fruit.

Dry Varieties
Usually Chardonnay is considered a dry white wine, although, there are many variations depending on the regional climate. Pinot Gris (or Pinot Grigio), Chenin Blanc and some vintages of Voignier tend to appear dry on the palette. Chardonnays are recommended with fish or poultry.

Dessert and Aperitif Wines
Sherry is a favorite aperitif wine that is often found in Spain. Apertif wines can be semi-sweet or dry and are served sparingly. Champagnes or sparkling wines are often served as an aperitif. Dessert wines are by nature sweet and meant to be enjoyed by sipping from a small liquor or aperitif glass. Sauterne is a popular white dessert wine and Muscat also fits this category. Choosing the best white wine types for a particular occasion depends on personal taste. There are abundant varieties to try.

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