Drink Natural Wine for Longevity: Insights from Blue Zones
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Chapter 1: Understanding Natural Wine
In mainstream media, it's rare to hear that consuming wine can be akin to taking a health supplement. Yet, this was precisely the statement made by Dan Buettner in the acclaimed Blue Zones documentary, "Live to 100," as he enjoyed a glass of Greek wine. Specifically, he referred to natural wine, which is produced with minimal intervention.
As a sommelier and wine expert, I specialize in natural wine, a concept that remains widely misunderstood. It’s often burdened with misconceptions, such as the belief that all wine is natural (which is false) or that all natural wines taste like cider (also untrue). My aim is to clarify what natural wine truly is, how to locate it, and why scientific evidence supports its health benefits over many other alcoholic beverages.
Natural wine can be succinctly defined as:
A wine produced with minimal intervention, both in the vineyard and during fermentation.
While there is no official definition for natural wine, the following criteria are generally accepted: no synthetic chemicals (like pesticides or fertilizers) in the vineyard; spontaneous fermentation using only natural yeasts; and minimal additives in the cellar, with many producers opting to avoid added sulfites altogether.
Natural wine acts as a counter-movement to the commercial wine industry, created by individuals disillusioned with how wine has transformed into a chemical-laden product. The commercial sector often misleads customers into thinking all wine is natural, despite the allowance of up to 76 additives in wines sold in the U.S. (and 59 in Europe).
Natural wine is a return to tradition and the age-old methods of winemaking. The Greek wine featured in the Ikaria Blue Zone documentary exemplifies this, having been produced without chemicals and aged in ancient amphorae, long before the advent of modern aging techniques.
The scientific community supports the notion that natural wine may be beneficial for health.
In the first video, Dan Buettner discusses how certain lifestyle choices, including drinking natural wine, contribute to longevity in the Blue Zones.
Section 1.1: The Health Benefits of Natural Wine
It's essential to recognize that not all alcoholic beverages impact the body equally. This is a topic I've explored in detail. Two studies highlight the differences between natural and commercial wines:
- One study demonstrated that natural wine reduces acetaldehyde levels in the bloodstream, a harmful substance that the liver converts from alcohol. This means that toxins can be eliminated more effectively.
- Another study indicated that the liver processes sulfites before it metabolizes alcohol. Therefore, wines with fewer sulfites lead to lower blood alcohol concentrations.
In the U.S., wines can contain significant levels of sulfites, with red wines allowing up to 150 parts per million, whites up to 200, and dessert wines up to 400. Natural winemakers typically add little to no sulfites to their products.
Natural wine also tends to have lower levels of alcohol and sugar. Many commercial wines contain excessive sugar to mask bitterness and enhance flavor, which is problematic since sugar and alcohol can interact negatively. Many natural winemakers prefer producing lighter, fresher wines, setting themselves apart from the heavier commercial alternatives.
Chemical exposure is another critical concern. I've encountered numerous winemakers affected by diseases linked to pesticide exposure, such as Parkinson's and cancer. Chemical residues are frequently found in conventional wines, which is not an issue with natural wine due to its chemical-free production process.
Natural wines are also rich in beneficial polyphenols and probiotic bacteria, further contributing to their health advantages.
Section 1.2: Dispelling Myths About Natural Wine
A common stereotype surrounding natural wine is that it often lacks quality. Many assume it consists of poorly fermented juice with quirky labels, sold at inflated prices. While this can be true in some cases, there are plenty of quality natural wines available that do not fit this mold.
Natural wine production is challenging due to the lack of chemical interventions, resulting in some bottles tasting less appealing. However, it's important to note that natural wine is a process rather than a specific style. Many natural wines resemble conventional wines but offer enhanced concentration and flavor.
Some of the world’s most prestigious wines, like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, are naturally produced, often fetching prices that reflect their quality. It’s a misconception that natural wine is synonymous with faults or funkiness; many wines meet traditional standards while still being produced naturally.
Chapter 2: Finding and Enjoying Natural Wine
The second video explores the secrets to living beyond 100 years, focusing on the role of natural wine in this lifestyle.
You don't need to visit a Greek island to enjoy natural wine. The notion that the finest wines are exclusive to their regions is misleading. While it's true that some areas, like the Ikaria Blue Zone, may not export much of their production, many other regions are prolific in natural wine production.
To find quality natural wine, seek out independent wine shops and bars that specialize in this category. Conduct online searches to locate nearby merchants or online retailers. If you're sourcing wines independently, look for the following terms:
- Organic
- Biodynamic
- Dry-farmed
- Naturally fermented / spontaneous fermentation
- Unfiltered / unfined
- Aged in amphora
- No added sulfites
Natural wine is crafted in numerous winemaking regions, with hotspots including:
- Loire Valley, France
- Beaujolais, France
- Jura, France
- Georgia (the country)
- Catalunya, Spain
- Oregon, USA
- Victoria, Australia
- Sicily, Italy
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Natural Wine
For 7900 of the last 8000 years, wine was produced naturally. The modern style of wine we see today, characterized by clarity and fruitiness, is a recent development thanks to technological advancements and chemical usage.
Natural wine is not a fleeting trend; it’s a return to authenticity. Having spent over a decade immersed in the realm of natural wine, I was pleased to see it featured in the Blue Zones documentary.
While excessive alcohol consumption is harmful, the evidence suggests that if one chooses to drink, natural wine offers a healthier alternative. It may not guarantee a life to 100, but it certainly provides a better chance for longevity compared to conventional options.
So, why not give it a try?