11/12/08 Wine Q&A

Q. As a recent retiree concerned about my health, I've read the benefits of drinking a nightly glass of wine. Quite frankly, I've never found wine appealing. Can you offer any suggestions for invigorating my interest in dry wines?

A. I've had a number of inquiries about the reported benefits of wine, and must begin every reply with the advice to consult your doctor before doing anything! There are a number of compounds associated with red grapes that have been found in medical studies to be beneficial. However, by no means are you limited to wine to get these benefits.

As for invigorating your interest in dry wines, perhaps the answer is that you are more of a sweet wine guy. Although they are less common, there are sweet wines made from red grapes that might better suit your preferences. If you are curious, ask your wine seller to point you toward a late harvest zinfandel, or a ruby Port. The Port will be fortified (higher in alcohol) but will have more residual sugar (hence sweetness) than a red table wine. You might also inquire about such unusual wines as the sweet sparkling red wines from Italy, such as the Banfi Rosa Regale or a Lambrusco Grasparossa.

* Paul Gregutt can be reached at wine@seattletimes.com.