Posted by Jeff Jurmain in beverages, nutrition, wine on September 7, 2007 at 2:22 pm

It’s no secret that a glass or two of red wine delivers health benefits. But, as a study late last year reported, not all are equal. Some reduce your risk of heart disease to a far greater degree than do others. According to the researchers, it comes down to a powerful natural chemical and they now know which wines have the most.

As it turns out, specific Old World varietals in southwest France and in Sardinia may be the most heart-healthy red wines on Earth. A quick search of the LCBO product list shows that you don’t have to fly across the ocean to get them. Anyone interested in drinking wine for its cardiovascular benefits may be interested in the exceptional details of this study.

France is home to the infamous “French paradox.” They love rich sauces, cheese, and fatty foods, but enjoy a lower rate of heart disease than Canada. Many believe the main factor in shielding people from the number one killer in the world is red wine. Results of this study suggest this might be bang on: people who live in southwest France and in Sardinia (island of Italy) have longer life expectancies than their countrymen.

The chemicals involved are called procyanidins, potent antioxidants found in grape seeds, skins, and stems. Researchers say these are the most powerful type of polyphenols, which had previously been found to shield the heart from disease. Old World techniques for winemaking are believed to leave greater levels of procyanidins behind in the drink.

The wine most full of these chemicals is a traditional French wine called Madiran. This type uses Tannat black grapes, the ultimate procyanidins fruit. Other wines from southwest France were high as well, but not as much as Madiran. Wines from Sardinia also checked out to have procyanidins. Over in South America, the Mendoza region of Argentina and parts of Uruguay have become hot spots outside Europe for Tannat grapes and wine high in polyphenols.

Now to the shelves of the LCBO. For reds that will help protect the arteries from damage, select wines that use Tannat grapes, particularly those from southwest France and the Sardinian province of Nuoro. It may take a bit of research, especially to unearth the many possible blends, but it’s worth it. Here are a few bottles that fit the bill.

1. Madiran 1907 2004
This vintage is $18.95, blending Tannat grapes with Cabernets. Its colour is deep red and its spicy notes pair it nicely with dark fruit and legs of lamb. This wine comes from small villages beneath the Pyrenees mountains.

2. Chateau Boucasse Vieilles Vignes 2000
Another French vintage, this one runs $38.15. It is a Madiran and, as the LCBO site explains, around half the bottle must use the Tannat grape. It includes Cabernet and Fer grapes as well. It’s deep and strong, full-bodied, with smoke, dark cherry, and dark plum flavors. Licorice and mocha linger on a very long finish.

3. Castel Pujol Tannat De Reserva 2002
Here’s a well-priced vintage ($10.50) from…Uruguay! Look to this country if there are no Tannat wines in the French/Italy aisles, as Uruguay is one of the few other countries to use it. The taste of black currants, dried herbs, and a hint of oak are all prevalent. It’s mid-weight, with good length, and a dry finish.

4. FSF Fernando Soares Franco 2001
This vintage hails from Portugal, priced at $35.95. It blends Tannat with Syrah and Trincadeira. In 2005, Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 94 points calling it a great wine produced by “serious” winemakers.

5. De Lucca Rio Colorado 2004
Another Tannat wine from Uruguay, this vintage goes for $18.95. This wine is noticeably high in tannins, with a balanced taste that brings fruit to the foreground.

6. Any Sardinian wines may deliver the health benefits described in the study. One example is Sella & Mosca Cannonau Di Sardegna (V) ($15.15), but LCBO employees should be able to widen the search. If possible, look for wines from the Nuoro province.

So, as it turns out, the same chemicals that make red wines get better with age are the ones that prevent damage to your arteries. But medical science generally agrees that after two glasses, any health benefits from alcohol start to dissipate. Moderation remains the key.