wine

Did you know that most of your beloved bottles of vino are also likely laced with dangerous pesticides and health-compromising sulfates? Those vineyards of luscious grapes are no different than the fruits and vegetables you consume daily, and lets face it, the farmers are motivated to sell volume, often sacrificing quality.

So even if you’re shopping organic, buying the #9 labels on all of your produce, washing your fresh produce religiously, you might be unexpected taking in ounces of arsenic and glysophate regularly and not even realize it. Let alone the sulfates! Eek.

This isn’t a plea to put down the bottle - I get it, it’s COVID-times after all and many are finding a sweet escape in a glass of Pinot. But....choose wisely. Read your labels. Do your research. Ask the wine store connoisseur (a good store will have well-versed employees).

 

Here are a few tips to get started - 

  1. Find the organics! There is usually a dedicated section in most wine stores that allow you to start here. Ask kindly for a point in the right direction the next time you’re masked up and ready to venture out for a restock of your wine cellar.
  2. Then, read the labels. It’s true, not all USDA organic is created equal. Different standards in the US than other countries of what’s acceptable levels of pesticide use. This is the most confusing part! You think you’re doing the right thing by buying ‘organic’ but it’s not all what meets the eyes. There are 4 different labels for wine bottles to help you know what you are purchasing - 100% organic, organic, made with organically grown grapes and some organic ingredients. When in doubt - buy the 100%. This means the wine was made with organically grown grapes and that no sulfites have been added to it at any time during the processing. It also means it does not have any sulfites that are measurable in it.
  3. Have fun, and find your new go-to favorites. This is the best part of trying something new. Try some 100% organic from the US but also explore other international sources. The Europeans know how to wine! Try variety, sip away, log your favorites. Enjoy the ride!

You can have your wine and drink it too. Here’s your roadmap to heartier grape skins and higher concentrations of all of those good for you anthocyanins and antioxidants, including polyphenols and cardio-friendly resveratrol.

Ready to buy? Here’s a great list of the top ones to try! https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-natural-wines-4175029

 

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