2013 Resolutions for Wine Lovers
21 Jan, 13 / 
For 2013, everyone has a resolution or two… Here is Southern Spirits’ take on New Year’s resolutions that every wine lover is sure to keep!
Photo from HealthyLiquor.com
BE HEALTHIER
Anti-oxidants: they are good for you, and they are found in wine!
Antioxidants protect the body’s cells against harmful free radicals. Flavonids (which gives the grape is deep purple color) has been shown to reduce cholesterol, while Resveratrol has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, and the formation of plaques linked to brain cell damage. Both Flavonoids and Resveratrol are found in red wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon contains the most antioxidants, followed by Petit Sirah and Pinor Noir. Of the lesser antioxidant filled include Merlots and red zinfandels.
Red Wine has the most benefit, as the skin, flesh and seeds of red grapes have more antioxidants than white.
LOOSE WEIGHT
Be forewarned that the benefit of antioxidants found in wine can be outweighed by its sweetness.
Wine is sweetened a few different ways. One common method is to stop the fermentation process early. During fermentation, the natural sugars from the grapes turn into alcohol. As fermentation continues, the level of alcohol goes up until there is no residual sugar left. (This, by the way, is what they call a “Dry” wine).
Stopping the fermentation process early, however, retains more sugar in the wine, producing a much sweeter taste.
Another common sweetening process, known as chaptalization, involves adding sweetened substances—like sugar or juice—to wine.
Photo from wine.lovetoknow.com
In either case, the sweeter taste is a result of sugar, so watch out! Dry wine is the type of wine that will have less calories, but will also be a little less sweet.
SAVE MONEY
Southern Sprits has the best prices on wine… beer and liquor! Every week, Southern Sprits has amazing deals. Here are the deals of this week:
Rex Goliath 10% Off
$4.99
Cupcake Assorted Varietals $7.99
Chateau St. Jean Cabernet $7.99
SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS
Make sangria! Instead of serving glasses of wine, serve something a little different! Sangria recipe from the Food Network:
Ingredients:
- 1 (750-ml) bottle red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange flavored liqueur (recommended: triple sec or Grand Marnier)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 orange, thinly sliced
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 unwaxed apple, cored, and cut into thin wedges
- 1 (750-ml) bottle sparkling water, chilled
Directions:
Combine everything but the sparkling water in a large plastic container or glass pitchers. Cover and chill completely, 1 to 2 hours. When ready to serve, add the sparkling water.
However you choose to begin 2013, start it off with the right cocktail! Our friendly staff know A LOT about wine, and can help you find the right bottle at the right price.
