Not all alcohol is the same
Wine, unlike drinks with hard alcohol, does really have health benefits (in moderation)
“Life is too short to drink bad wine.”
And life will also be short if you drink bad wine…
As the festive season gathers speed and invitations to Christmas parties, sing-alongs, office parties, the cosy thought of mulled wine (which can be dangerously bad), and other end of year celebrations accumulate, we sometimes find ourselves a little worse for wear and tear.
Let’s face it, too much of a good thing is a bad thing, and hangovers are not fun at all. But it is perfectly possible to navigate the egg-nogged, bubbly sparkler field of end-of-year excess with a bit of restraint, self-discipline, and by replacing hard drinks with (real) wine.
The anti-alcohol movement seems to be growing exponentially, which is quite understandable if one tallies the consequences of over-indulgence and mindlessly imbibing whatever is handed to you. It is not just a question of quantity, but of quality. As just one example, the differences between wines that are produced conventionally (with the full arsenal of pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, chemical yeasts and an unimaginable number of legal additives) and wines produced naturally (organically, biodynamically) are radical.
The first will invariably make you feel awful the next day (and it ain’t the sulfites! - more on that to come), whereas the latter will allow you to address the day with a certain enthusiasm. As most alcohols are the result of intensive farming and so full of all of the ‘cides’ mentioned above, it is no wonder one ends up with a headache. But more important than that, and as the title states, not all alcohols are the same.
Dr. Maynard Amerine, Professor Emeritus of Oenology and Viticulture at the University of California at Davis described wine as "a chemical symphony composed of ethylalcohol, several other alcohols, sugar, other carbohydrates, polyphenols, aldehydates, ketones and pigments, with half a dozen vitamins, fifteen to twenty minerals more than twenty-two organic acids and other things that have not yet been identified."
According to Dr. Philip Norrie (aka The Wine Doctor), “Wine should also be regarded as separate from other alcohol containing beverages because wine is unique in that it is the only alcoholic beverage to not only contain alcohol but also nature's most potent antioxidants namely resveratrol, quercitin and eipcatechin and wine has the best mode of consumption because it is usually sipped slowly over a long period of time accompanying a meal, whereas beer and spirits do not contain these potent antioxidants and are usually consumed on an empty stomach thus greatly increasing their alcohol's absorption rate.”
He adds, “the members of the wine industry are not purveyors of poison, as the anti-alcohol lobby groups would have us believe, but actually delayers of death and will help you to die young as late as possible.”
Why the Alcohol in Wine is Different
The alcohol in wine, ethanol, is the same chemical compound found in all alcoholic beverages. However, the context in which alcohol is consumed in wine—especially when compared to spirits or beers—can significantly influence its effects on the body.
Alcoholic Fermentation Process: Wine is produced through the fermentation of fresh grapes, a natural process that produces alcohol, alongside other beneficial compounds. This fermentation process retains a variety of polyphenols (such as resveratrol and flavonoids), which are not present in distilled spirits like vodka or whiskey. These polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that help protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.
Lower Alcohol Concentration: Wine typically contains between 12% and 15% alcohol by volume, much lower than spirits, which often exceed 40%. This lower concentration means that wine is consumed in smaller quantities, leading to less immediate intoxication and allowing the beneficial compounds to be absorbed in a more balanced manner.
Accompanying Nutrients: Wine, particularly red wine, contains small amounts of vitamins (like B vitamins), minerals (such as potassium and magnesium), and fiber from the grape skins. These compounds contribute to wine’s overall health profile, distinguishing it from high-proof distilled beverages that lack these nutritional benefits.
Health Benefits of Wine (in Moderation)
Cardiovascular Health: Numerous studies have shown that moderate wine consumption, particularly red wine, can be beneficial for heart health. The polyphenols in wine, such as resveratrol, are believed to help increase levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and protect the inner lining of blood vessels. These antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart disease.
Longevity: Moderate wine consumption has been linked to increased longevity, especially in regions with diets rich in plant-based foods and moderate alcohol intake, such as the Mediterranean. Resveratrol has been studied for its potential to activate sirtuins, enzymes that are thought to promote healthy aging by protecting cells and preventing inflammation.
Cognitive Health: Moderate alcohol intake, including wine, has been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidants in wine help protect against oxidative stress, which contributes to brain aging and neurodegeneration. A study in the "Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease" found that resveratrol may help improve brain function by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow to the brain.
Gut Health: Wine, especially red wine, contains prebiotic fibres that promote healthy gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immunity, and even mood regulation, with research suggesting that moderate wine consumption can help maintain a balanced gut microbiota.
The Importance of Moderation
While wine has potential health benefits (if it is produced organically—truly organically—or biodynamically), as always, moderation is key. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver disease, certain cancers, and other health issues.
Soon after it’s publication, I had the pleasure of meeting Serge Renaud, the author of the ‘The French Paradox’ a scientific study that showed a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease among the French populations in regions that consumed the highest levels of saturated fats (foie gras).
When they published their results, they were required to modify recommended levels of consumption to one glass of wine (around 150 ml) per day for women and up to two glasses per day for men. Renaud confided in me that in order to truly derive the benefits wine provides, it was actually 3 glasses of wine for women and five for men (this is primarily a question of body mass), but because of the anti-alcohol lobbies, they reduced their published findings.
In conclusion, while the alcohol in wine is chemically the same as in other drinks, the context—such as the presence of antioxidants, pre-biotic fibres, resveratrol, nutrients, minerals, vitamins, the lower alcohol content, and the potential for cardiovascular and cognitive benefits—distinguishes wine from other alcoholic beverages. When consumed in moderation, wine can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Which of course is only true if the wines are produced naturally, organically, biodynamically without chemical inputs of any kind.
In a very comprehensive article entitled “Wine is not an alcoholic beverage like any other. A legal expert's defense of the special identity of wine”, the author (Ronan Raffray) points out that there is confusion and deliberate misrepresentation when it comes to wine.
The text defends the unique identity of wine, challenging the simplification of wine as just another alcoholic beverage. It critiques public health discourse, which often reduces wine to its alcohol content, ignoring its distinct characteristics and historical, cultural, and agricultural significance.
Key points:
Wine's Legal Definition: Wine is legally defined as a product of fermented fresh grapes (or grape musts), distinguishing it from spirits, which are made through distillation. This legal definition helps preserve wine’s distinct identity and sets it apart from other alcoholic drinks.
Wine’s Agricultural and Natural Origins: Unlike industrial spirits, wine is an agricultural product made from a perennial plant (the vine) and is shaped by its terroir. This link to nature is emphasised in both legal and cultural contexts, where wine is seen as a natural product rather than an industrial one.
Wine's Historical and Cultural Role: Wine has a long history, deeply intertwined with religious, cultural, and agricultural traditions. The legal framework for wine includes protections for its geographical origins and specific production methods, underscoring its singular status.
Legal Status of Wine: French and European law distinguish wine from other alcoholic drinks, granting it a special legal status. The law of the vine ("droit de la filière") forms a unique body of legislation, recognizing wine’s singularity as both a luxury product and a staple of agricultural production.
Critique of Public Health Campaigns: The text critiques health authorities for ignoring wine’s unique attributes in favor of a blanket approach that treats all alcohol the same. This view risks reducing wine’s complexity and ignores its positive social, economic, and cultural roles.
Legal and Social Perception: Legally, wine is recognised for its distinct characteristics, while public opinion also sees wine as having a special status. Reducing wine merely to its alcoholic content fails to capture the broader context in which wine is produced and consumed.
In essence, the text argues that wine’s legal, cultural, and agricultural identity should be recognised and preserved, rather than diluted in the broader category of alcohol. The legal framework, grounded in the unique nature of wine, is not merely a product of lobbying but a reflection of its true essence.
1Key References and further reading:
Polyphenols and Antioxidants in Wine:
Michaela M. Tresserra-Rimbau et al. (2014). "Wine consumption and cardiovascular risk: A review of the current evidence." Molecules 19, no. 12: 20226-20246.
This review discusses the polyphenols in wine (including resveratrol) and their antioxidant properties, as well as their cardiovascular benefits.
R. de la Torre et al. (2014). "The health benefits of wine and its main polyphenols: the role of resveratrol." Advances in Nutrition 5(6): 618-631.
This paper explains the health-promoting properties of resveratrol and other polyphenols found in wine.
Cardiovascular Health:
R. M. Pignatelli et al. (2018). "Wine, antioxidants and cardiovascular health: A systematic review." Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 51: 56-65.
This article provides an overview of how wine polyphenols can contribute to heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.
A. J. Renaud et al. (1992). "Wine, alcohol, platelets, and the French paradox for coronary heart disease." The Lancet 340(8828): 1523-1526.
This seminal study first coined the "French Paradox" and provided evidence that moderate wine consumption could lower heart disease risk, despite a diet high in saturated fats.
Longevity:
M. S. Timmers et al. (2014). "Resveratrol and lifespan: The role of sirtuins in aging." Ageing Research Reviews 18: 1-11.
This paper explores the role of resveratrol in activating sirtuins, which are believed to contribute to the anti-aging effects of moderate wine consumption.
B. W. Stroud et al. (2004). "Moderate alcohol intake and mortality in older adults." JAMA 291(17): 2154-2161.
This study suggests that moderate alcohol consumption, including wine, is associated with increased longevity in older populations.
Cognitive Health:
L. V. Ghisleni et al. (2021). "Moderate alcohol consumption, cognitive function, and dementia risk: A systematic review." Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 79(3): 971-986.
This systematic review outlines the effects of moderate alcohol consumption, including wine, on cognitive health and Alzheimer's disease risk.
L. Solfrizzi et al. (2017). "Wine and cognitive decline: Results from the Italian longitudinal study on aging." The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging 21(9): 1043-1050.
This study highlights the potential neuroprotective effects of moderate wine consumption in older adults.
Gut Health:
S. M. De Angelis et al. (2020). "Moderate alcohol consumption and gut microbiota: Current evidence and future perspectives." Nutrients 12(6): 1776.
This article reviews studies on how moderate alcohol intake, including wine, can affect the gut microbiome positively by promoting beneficial bacteria.
T. E. V. Bernbom et al. (2017). "The impact of alcohol consumption on gut microbiota and health." Microorganisms 5(4): 45.
This paper discusses how different types of alcohol affect the gut microbiota, with specific focus on wine.
Moderation and Health Risks:
B. D. Rehm et al. (2018). "Alcohol use and burden for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2016: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016." The Lancet 392(10152): 1015-1035.
This study discusses the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, underscoring the importance of moderation.
Disclaimer: We are all free to choose our pleasures and our poisons and my intention in writing about the health benefits of wine is not intended to skew the realities of alcohol abuse and the different capacities to metabolise ethanol, but to clarify the real differences between wine and other alcohols. At the same time, a little whiskey now and again can be quite uplifting. Santé!
Thank you for letting me into your world and for reading the Paris Wine Walks Substack. Your support is invaluable as are your comments, suggestions, critiques, dreams, thoughts and remembrances. A little encouragement goes a long way, so please consider a paid subscription, which need cost no more than (a cheap) glass of wine per week. Or, book a wine walk!
My book, ‘The Hidden Vineyards of Paris’ (reviewed in Jancis Robinson’s wine blog, the Wine Economist, National Geographic Traveler UK, UK Telegraph) is available for purchase via our website and at anglophone bookshops and wine shops in Paris. You can also find it at the Musée de Montmartre and the Librairie Gourmande.
Give the gift of experience!
Paris Wine Walks Gift Certificates are available year round and make exceptional gifts
Sparkling Wine Splash
Immerse yourself in the effervescence of the season with our Sparkling Wine Splash experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just toasting to the joy of the holidays, our blind wine tasting of carefully selected sparkling wines invites friendly competition to see who can identify the Champagne among five fabulous sparkling wines. Book now!
Wine & Cheese Please
Indulge in classic and surprising pairings of wine and cheese with our in-depth Wine & Cheese Please tasting. Explore the nuances of flavour as our knowledgeable guides lead you through a ‘cultural’ tour de France, revealing the secrets of perfectly paired combinations. It's an ideal way to savour the sophistication of Parisian life. Book now!
Wine Walks!
For more information, click on the underlined links:
Clos Montmartre - Paris in Your Glass
Paris' most famous wine producing vineyard
Latin Quarter Unbottled!
An insider's journey to the oldest wine neighbourhood in the city
Wine Your Way Through the Marais
The Marais seen through a wineglass
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Discover the vinous spirit of medieval Paris
3-Vineyard Cycling Tour
A comprehensive overview of medieval Paris
Paris Bottled!
Short on time? This one’s for you.
Some very pleasing info in this piece. I haven’t felt this virtuous in a while.