Commandaria

Commandaria from Cyprus is the world's oldest named wine still in production. This luscious nectar dating back to the ancient Greeks is made from ripe, sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes that have been crushed, pressed, fermented, and aged for at least 2 years in oak. Sometimes fortified, it’s served well-chilled and tastes like raisins, nuts, dried fruit, coffee, chocolate, orange peel, smoke and vanilla. Straight up, it’s heaven, but with fruit-based desserts, pastries, cakes, cookies, nuts, pudding and chocolate, it’s divine. Cook with it or match it to stinky cheese for a real treat. Now I know why Aphodite, the goddess of beauty and love was born on Cyprus…for this wine.

Torrontes

Torrontes is a fascinating, white grape native to Argentina. It produces aromatic wines full of spice, tropical fruit and flowers and is a great warm weather sipper and aperitif. Ideal for exotic cuisine, Asian and spicy dishes, it’s a delightful replacement for Gewuztraminer. Occasionally wines made from it show up here but not too often. Even when it is around, consumers aren’t sure what to make of it. I’ve always thought that Torrontes would do well here because of its similarity to our city’s name. You know, “sip some Torontes in Toronto”. I would have thought some saavy marketing folks would have latched onto the connection long ago and created a new phenomenon. Oh well!

Wine May Prevent Gallstones

Most people don't think twice about their gallbladders until they experience painful gallstones. However, a new study claims that a glass or two of wine each day may help prevent gallstone formation. Doctors and scientists found that drinking up to two units of alcohol per day reduces the risk of developing gallstones by one-third when compared to nondrinkers. The major ingredient in gallstones is cholesterol and wine generally lowers levels in our bodies, so drinking about 6 ounces of wine per day could offer a 32 percent lower risk of them forming. Although the more wine consumed, the lower the risk, researchers noted that the dangers of excessive alcohol outweighed the benefits.