WANT SOME GOOD NEWS? NOW HEAR THIS!
If you have found that your hearing is not as acute as it used to be (whether related to exposure to excessive noise levels associated with work or home conditions, or due to the natural aging process, or whatever may be the cause of your hearing loss), now there’s a pleasurable way to maintain your hearing capacity — simply by drinking wine!
Experts have touted the benefits of resveratrol (a substance found naturally in grapes and thus, wine) in fighting certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Recently there is growing evidence that resveratrol may aid in maintaining and fine tuning our hearing, as well.
In one experiment, two groups of rats were exposed to loud noises. The rat pack who was given a resveratrol supplement beforehand suffered much less hearing loss than those who didn’t receive it. This points to perhaps the ability of this substance to preserve hearing.
As we age, many of us will lose our ability to hear, especially in noisy surroundings. This hearing loss is considered oxidative stress – a fancy way of saying our bodies are rusting. This potent antioxidant appears to keep that damage to a minimum, according to the author of the study (done at the Henry Ford Health System), Michael Seidman, MD.
In addition to the resveratrol, there are several other compounds contained in red wine that may also lend antioxidant effects — such as the tannins, and grapeseed extract. So what does the good doctor recommend? A dose of at least 6 ounces of red wine every day. What do we recommend? That you begin with this months selections from your favorite Wine of the Month Club!
Let Your SmartPhone Be Your Guide . . .
As brisk on-line wine sales impact the sales figures of international wines, more and more people are finding extraordinary benefits to the now available wine apps. They can be downloaded free from several sources (Google Play, Apple Store, etc.) By using such an app, you will have access to a database of more than 1 million wines from countries across the globe, as well as feedback from three times that many dedicated wine drinkers. The apps even help locate the best prices for specific wines. What a time and money saver!
IN SITU GRAN RESERVA — CABERNET SAUVIGNON (Vintage 2012, Red)
- Country: Chile
- Region: Aconcagua Valley
- Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
IN SITU — SAUVIGNON BLANC VINEYARD SELECTION (Vintage 2012, White)
- Country: Chile
- Region: Aconcagua Valley
- Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
In Situ is a limited production line from selected grapes grown on the finest vines in a single plot, the hillside Paidahuen Estate, located in central Chile near the city of Los Andes. For hundreds of years the hillsides of Paidahuen have been a meeting point for Aconcagua Valley inhabitants. Today, only ancient enigmatic rock drawings remain.
A pioneer in hillside vineyard cultivation, it is beautifully situated along the Aconcagua River at the foothills of the Andes. The total planted surface is about 241 acres. Rich in winemaking history, it was first practiced during the Colonial period. These XVII century colonists first introduced the Hacienda architecture.
Concentrated aromas of black currant, menthol and pepper introduce you to this intense ruby red wine. It has a softness, with vanilla and red fruit, with well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and persistent.
Enjoy it now, but know it will store well for another seven years of longevity if carefully handled. Open at least one hour ahead of time and decant to aerate the wine before serving. Serve at room temperature in large goblets with roasts, rich pasta dishes, lamb, or a selection of your favorite aged cheeses.
In Situ Sauvignon Blanc Vineyard Selection:
SAUVIGNON BLANC — Highly aromatic, these grapes are key in producing dry wines with a sought-after “dusty” quality. Also used successfully in blends, they contribute bold fruit character, are light to medium bodied, and high in acidity.
To Reorder, call 1-800-800-9122 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central Standard time, Monday through Friday)
Item# SN5698 — 2 bottles – $47.00 — 6 bottles – $108.00 — 12 bottles – $184.00
MEMBER DISCOUNTED PRICES INCLUDE FREE SHIPPING!
In Situ Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon:
CABERNET SAUVIGNON — The dominant grape in Bordeaux, it is widely planted in California, and is big in Chile. The fruit is small, dark, thick skinned; late-maturing and needs warmth to prosper. It makes wines that are high in tannin, and medium to full bodied. The aroma and flavor is described as black currant or cassis.
PIETRA SANTA — PINOT GRIS (Vintage 2011, White)
- Country: United States
- Region: California’s Cienega Valley
- Grape: Pinot Gris
Pietra Santa is a family-run estate producing artisanal wines and olive oils located in the town of Hollister in the Cienega Valley AVA. The site was planted to wine grapes in the 1850’s by Frenchman Theophile Vache who chose the location because of the maritime climate and unique soils. Pietra Santa is 25 miles from Monterey Bay and benefits from cool coastal breezes that allow for a long growing season. Located on the San Andreas Fault, the soils are rich with granite and limestone that lowers yields, but adds distinctive flavors to the wines. In 2005, the property was purchased by the Blackburns, a family dedicated to preserving and building upon this magnificent winemaking history. Alessio Carli is the winemaker.
Due to the mountainous terrain, only 120 acres of the estate’s 450 are planted with wine grapes. Their Pinot Gris comes from vines from the highest elevation, and total production of this yellow nectar with green tints was limited to 1,998 cases. It is a well-balanced Pinot Gris, crisp and refreshing, offering aromas and tastes of mango and peach, with hints of citrus. The wine is ready to be enjoyed now. Serve chilled with oysters on the half-shell, crab salad, cold vichyssoise, and grilled shrimps.
To Reorder, call 1-800-800-9122 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central Standard time, Monday through Friday)
Item# SN5699 — 2 bottles – $40.68 — 6 bottles – $91.44 — 12 bottles – $155.56
MEMBER DISCOUNTED PRICES INCLUDE FREE SHIPPING!
Pietra Santa Pinot Gris:
PINOT GRIS — Also known as Pinot Grigio, the skins of this white grape are more hued than most other whites. They produce succulent, rich wines of great quality, complexity, and spiciness. Also used in wine fortification.
PIETRA SANTA — PINOT NOIR (Vintage 2012, Red)
- Country: United States
- Region: California’s Cienega Valley
- Grape: Pinot Noir
Pietra Santa Pinot Noir:
PINOT NOIR — Pinot Noir grapes are finicky and challenging to grow, but the resulting Pinot Noir wine can be one of the greatest wines available. Widely grown in Oregon and California in the U.S., and in parts of Australia, New Zealand and Chile, production is limited due to this grape’s pickiness regarding climate and soil. Flavors and aromas can be very red-berry-fruity, or woodsy and earthy. Not usually blended.
