Peter Cap is in love with the red wine he makes. More than that, he’s convinced that it might help us to stay healthy, even inhibiting the virus that’s behind the 2020/2021 pandemic. That’s a big claim. But Peter has a scientific background. This article takes a closer look at this bold opinion and the reasons why Peter says Manor Estate reds could be far more than just a great dinner companion.
Covid and Red Wine: The Claim
Improved resistance to various health issues has long been attributed to red wine: “We already know that relaxing with a glass of red wine is believed to have numerous health benefits thanks to the powerful antioxidant polyphenols it contains. But tannins also have benefits, and they could be the key to keeping us healthy during the pandemic. That’s over and above the fact that many scientists believe that drinking a glass of red wine a day can improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and help people to live longer,” says Peter.
But that’s not where it ends.
“It’s known that stress lowers resistance to illness,” Peter reminds. “Relaxing with someone you love and a bottle of fine wine isn’t just good for your mind: it’s good for your body because it reduces stress. But without getting too clinical, spoiling themselves with something they’ll genuinely enjoy is something people should do on a regular basis. It’s not only a happy thing to do, it’s also a healthy one. Manor Estate is part of that, and it’s something to be proud of.”
Covid: Why Researchers Aren’t Testing Wine’s Health Benefits
Peter points out that natural substances like wine are difficult for researchers to work with. “They need to point to a single ingredient and determine what that does. Organic substances contain many complex molecules that may interact with each other, and going through all those ingredients and determining how they work together would be the work of generations, not years.”
“On the other hand, there are scientists who believe that organic molecules can work in synergy, boosting one another’s effects. It would be wonderful to see more research on the health benefits of red wine, particularly with reference to SARS-related viruses. The researchers would certainly have no shortage of volunteers to act as research subjects!”
Tannins, Red Wine, and Covid
Backing up his opinion that red wine can help us to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic may seem like a tough call. But Peter, an organic chemist prior to finding his calling in the world of fine wines, is armed with evidence.
“During SARS, researchers in Taiwan began testing tannin to see whether it would inhibit the virus with very promising results. That research has been resumed owing to covid, and once again, the results are very promising. They’re looking at tannins as an ingredient that could be used to treat people who already have covid, and they’ve found that tannic acid does suppress the virus.”
“In treating covid, it would take a massive dose of red wine to actually get the same effect as the researchers got in the lab, but surely, even a healthy two glasses would have some effect in preventing covid or aiding people in recovery.”
“At the same time,” cautions Peter, “that’s just my opinion and there’s no conclusive proof to offer, but it is food for thought. Personally, I believe that tannins in red wine really can help us to stay healthy during the pandemic, and there are a number of additional reasons to believe it can heighten resistance, including the aspect of relaxing and de-stressing which any doctor will tell you heightens resistance to infection.”
As for the wine, it will always be Manor Estate wines for Peter: “The acronym is ME, and you and ME go well together,” says Peter. “The wine is naturally aged and lovingly nurtured to perfection, and that perfection is bottled in McLaren Vale before being enjoyed in Australia and the USA. If it’s good for your health, that’s a bonus. What matters most is that it’s a delight to the senses.”
Manor estate offers wine events, a romantic wedding venue and luxury accommodation in McLaren Vale. For more information, or join their wine club, visit the Manor Estate Wines website or call their team of experts on (08) 8383 7300.
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