The Wine Observer

Wine and Ocular Health: What's the Link?

A refreshing break from the routine.

By Paul Karpecki, OD

As we publish this inaugural installment of The Wine Observer, it might help to first mention our motivation and goals. Why a column on wine? Simply put, because very many in the eyecare field share a love of this minor indulgence.*

* Though moderate wine consumption may have health benefits, OM promotes only responsible use of alcoholic beverages.

One of my most enjoyable hobbies is the pursuit of sommelier certification. It is a subject I can study daily and still feel I know so little about, given the sheer number of wineries — each with its own unique approach — plus continual advancements in wine manufacturing, limitless resources for wine appreciation, and the fact that wine is now being produced in so many new parts of the world.

Not all readers aspire to be sommeliers, of course. What this column hopes to provide is merely an enjoyable diversion for doctors who might welcome new ideas on how to more fully enjoy the hobby of wine appreciation after a busy day at the practice. We'd also like it to be a forum for discussion, so we invite readers to share their insights, questions and wine recommendations. To contribute, please contact me at paul@karpecki.com.

Let's begin by exploring the health benefits of moderate consumption.

The French Paradox

The “French paradox” has always perplexed us in the United States. How could a population with a diet so rich in heavy creams and meats outlive Americans by an average of 10 years? Some researchers believe that regular but moderate consumption of red wine, combined with exercise (the French walk far more often to destinations than do North Americans) allows them to counterbalance their rather fatty diets and live healthier.

Grapes contain polyphenols (compounds derived from plants) that act as antioxidants and have been shown to protect humans from both heart disease and cancer. One polyphenol found in grape skins stands above the rest: resveratrol. Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen, a type of plant estrogen. These have been shown to fight inflammation, inhibit oxidation of certain cells, and prevent apoptosis.

Although white wine also has potential health benefits, red has the highest concentration of resveratrol. The skins are kept in contact for longer periods of time during the wine-making process than with white wines. This likely increases the concentration of resveratrol in the wine.

Resveratrol is also present in berries, nuts and grape juice. However, ounce for ounce, red wine contains two times more flavonoids and other antioxidants than any of these. Additionally, the fermentation process used to make wine allows resveratrol to be absorbed by the body more readily.

Red Wine Recommendations

Now that we're a little more enlightened about what makes red wines somewhat healthy, let's consider why they're so enjoyable.

One particular wine that is very high in resveratrol is pinot noir. Pinot noir is a very unique grape and wine. In France, it is simply called a “red Burgundy” (after the region of the same name). In the new world (US, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand) it is named by the grape itself: pinot noir. This wine is known for its velvety texture, its smoothness and its lingering quality after drinking. It is a very delicate and difficult grape to grow that requires great winemaker skill, as it has some of the thinnest skin of any grape and is extremely temperamental.

Certainly, Burgundy France has exceptional wine and some of the best in the world, but often this is reflected in the cost. A theme of this column is to suggest wines that taste expensive but are reasonable. One of the best regions for pinot noirs that are easily accessible and priced well is Oregon, specifically the Willamette Valley.

Another of my favorite regions for pinot noir is California, primarily the Ste. Rita Hills region, Ste. Margarita and the Green Valley or Russian River of Sonoma. You can find great pinot noirs from Paso Robles, California. Finally, even New Zealand (primarily the region of Central Otago) makes good pinot noirs.

Some great pinot noir producers include: Domain Drouhin ($$), Flowers, Bell Gloss, Cristom, Sinsky Vineyards, Domain Serene ($$), Merry Edwards, Kosta Browne ($$), Ponzi Vineyards and Patz & Hall.

To Your Health!

In the coming months we'll discuss how to select a wine, how to taste wine properly, what to do when confronted with the restaurant wine list, how to pair wines with food, cooking with wine, the various regions of wine development, deciphering the wine label, wines that taste expensive but are reasonable, and learning about wines from specific countries. OM