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Chateau Cojusna winery is a treasure of Moldovan wine-making


In 1908, a vineyard in one of the Moldovan villages, Cojusna, was founded. The chateau made the wines entirely on French expertise.
Cojusna wine cellar is a smaller cellar in the close proximity of Chisinau city. It is located in Straseni district. Its industrial unit is situated above the ground and its wine collection is placed underground.Cojusna wine plant was founded more than a century ago and till nowadays it is one of the top companies that creates and exports wines and strong drinks with the exposure time surpasses 20 years. The wine cellar of the village is situated in the region of Cojusna, near the Moldovan capital Chisinau, provides an endless supply of wines produced here in the fruitful district. The wine complex has two tasting halls and a room for guests.At Cojusna wine factory you may get accustomed with wine processing, and the exclusive architectural style of tasting halls invites you to appreciate the production of local wine-makers. 
The connoisseurs will discover such kinds of wines, which make resemblance with the energy and finesse of Moldovan national dance. And infamous Purcari and Chumai wines will turn wine tasting ceremony into a true festivity.At the present time, Cojusna wine factory produces more than 10 denominations of famous wines, and their characteristics remain brilliant as always. If you like a national milieu, you will find a cosy place in the Stone Hall, painted in the Moldovan national style by local craftsmen. If you favour modern luxury, then you may arrange in the European White Hall designed particularly for such visitors.The Cojusna wine collection was founded by care hands of specialists from the establishment of Cojusna winery, and still remembers the history, lives and goes on.
The famous wine collection features one million bottles of wine and cellars are more than one kilometer long.The wines "Dumbrava din Cojusna" and "Cojusna" deserve the highest appreciation of wine specialists. They are real pearl, crown of cojusna moldova's wine-makers. These wines are available to try in the tasting rooms of "The Stone Hall" and "The European White Hall", where the guests are warmly invited. The oustanding architectural style of these tasting rooms will charm and encourage guests to try the delightful wines, offered by the native wine-makers. The Stone Hall and The European White Hall's doors are always open for guests who are welcome to order light snacks, lunch and gala dinner.The winery complex features friendly and hospitable English speaking guides and can organise individual and group tours. The excursions should be booked in advance. There is no need in a car and the tour is a little inexpensive. The excursion last two-three hours.

Moldova is ranked in the Top Three Countries with the Best Wine

After Italy and France Moldova is one of the countries with the best wine. 
Moldova has a long history related to wine production, although they are less famous as the French and Italian wines, yet as qualitative and tasty. Plantation area occupies 10% of the entire country, but the yield is low even by European standards. Best climatic conditions for growing grapes in the middle reaches of the Dniester River. Winery - the main industry of the country, so here special attention to the quality of products is paid. Producers rely on centuries-old traditions. There is no system of "name of origin", but to account for the quality of wine introduced the system of "crop year" on which the bottle the year of harvest when the fruit reached the necessary maturity and the amount of sugar in them. 
The production counts a variety of drinks. It's dry, and fortified wines and sparkling wines, but the best quality and highly regarded of them are dry red Romanche and Negru de Purcari. Cellars for storing wine in an economy Purkar cut in the rock, they maintained an optimum temperature. These wines tipped a big future.






An experience of making wine from Prehistoric Period


  • Prehistoric Period
In Moldova, the wine is produced from ancient times. Spontaneous form of the vine has been known in this area since Neolithic times, is seven thousand years ago. 
Viticulture was already concern for people during tripolian period – on the shards of pottery and earthenware, produced between 2700-3000 BC, have been identified grape seed, one of them, according to specialists in the field, undoubtedly belonging to a variety worship. Processing (fermentation) grape and wine production was one of ancient activities in this area.

  • Ancient Period 
As the archaeological excavations made in Moldova, about 2,500 years ago the Greek colonists were familiar with the local population processes used by them in wine, this is one of the key branches of ancient Greek state economy. Then started on our land "industrial scale" (in reality that time) wine production for domestic consumption and trade in other commodities. 
A new impulse for further development of wine came with the flowering period of the Roman Empire, which had rule in Dacia, including those between the Dniester and Prut. Terminology that speaks about their impact, which people use to this day for everything related to wine.


  • Middle Ages 
In this historical period in Moldovian boyars was implanted a particular "cult of wine", which promoted development of wine. The Royal Court officials whose care were vineyards and wineries. It is significant that for quality wines, especially those who were served at the voivode table, vel-butler would answer with literally own head. 
In XIVcentury began wine exports to Poland and Grand Pricipality Moscow. During the Ottoman yoke (XVth - XVIIIth) deliveries have not stopped, but were extended and more takes Ukraine and Orient. Exactly at that time start history of Moldova as an exporter permanently of wine. Orthodoxy as the dominant religion has also contributed to the development of wine, because wine was used as religious rituals and daily use of temples and monasteries. Note that the quality of wine from the church had a rigorous set of requirements, formulated in "Slujebnicul" since 1699. Another noticeable fact is that the monastery "Novodevicii" in Moscow (New convent of nuns) remains till now a large partner of Purcari wines. Unfortunately, nobody knows exactly the volume of wine produced in those times, but remains undisputed that the goods were fully included in natural and commercial exchanges, bringing a solid income for the country of Moldova.


  • New and modern period 
A separate phase began with the incorporation of Bessarabia into the Russian Empire in 1812. Metropolitan aristocracy made a fashion of "the foundation of wine estates, for the selected varieties were imported from France. As a result, the industry has seen a spectacular dynamic development - Bessarabia land placing at first place in Russia to 50% of all wines produced in the Empire. If in 1837 there were 13,000 vineyard desetine and production of 1 million gallons of wine, then the next century plantations already occupied 74 000 desetine and wine production reached 15 million, which 2/3 were exported, including in France, which at that time felt an shortage due to the loss of his plantations. 
Also in that age some wine microzone started historically obtaining a prestige beyond the borders of our country. For example, high quality red wines, from Purcari, Tighina County, are widely known for three centuries. They were honored in 1878 with the gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris. Russian imperial family purchase Purcari wines for court cellar. In XIX century began deliveries Negru de Purcarito British royal house. Romanov family eventually founded a wine company in Bessarabia , called Romanesti. Production from Romanesti conquered all of refined admirers around Europe - as sovereigns, aristocrats, politicians, as people unknown. One of the best winemakers, P.C. Cazimir, at that time brought from France and has planted on his estate near Milestii Mici cuttings of new varieties progressive. Abandoned quarries he thought to use them as storage for ready production.
Revolutions and wars have set the constant development of Moldovan wine.Just in the six decade of the last century has been done to restore the wineries, then in the seventh decade of last century remembered about careers and caves. Their galleries were consolidated, enlarged, furnished. Cricova Milestii Mici, Branesti are till now the largest underground storage of wine industry . They are whole towns with streets that extend hundreds of kilometers and spaces to keep sparkling wines, about 30,000 tons of wine varieties and 2 million bottles of collection.

The glorious moments of our wine history lasting 2000 years

The inhabitants of these lands have known the taste of good wine since the days of the Romans and probably even before them. Modern day Moldova was once an ancient Roman colony. The Romans had an immense influence on the methods of local winemaking and wine consumption traditions.

In the course of many centuries, these traditions not only endured but improved. These lands became known for their ‘terroir’ and the reputation quality wines developed.
After Basarabia was joined to Russia, a decree of the land’s authorities, issued in 1827, created the first specialized winemaking company in Purcari. As early as 1847, during an agricultural exhibition held in Basarabia, Purcari wines showed fine expression and tasters were impressed by its delicate bouquet and dense, full taste. Thus, this wine, Negru de Purcari, was awarded its first gold medal. Then in 1878 the Purcari winemakers brought their wines to the Paris World Exhibition. During the closed-doors wine tasting session, the majority of the jury gave preference to a dry, densely-colored red wine, thinking that it was a new brand from the famous Bordeaux region. They were surprised to learn that the beverage came from an unknown village called Purcari, situated on the river Nistru. Negru de Purcari thus earned the highest form of recognition on the international stage by being awarded the Gold Medal.
More recently, in 2003, these famous Purcari wines were re-established when the Vinaria Purcari Company took over management. 
The chief purpose of creating this company was to revive the production of unique, historic wine blends, such as Negru de Purcari and Rosu de Purcari. The production facility in the Purcari area was rebuilt, where the quality of the soil and the climate create ideal conditions for viticulture, with proven results. The Purcari production facility was fully revived and upgraded, and the old cellars, built as far back as 1827, were renovated. Today the cellars are among the oldest and most famous in Moldova. The Purcari estate is one of Moldova’s showcase attractions.
By April 2006, the high quality and exquisite taste of its wines brought Vinaria Purcari 27 awards won at various specialized international contests and wine tastings.







Negru de Purcari is “Queen of England’s Wine”


The wines of Purcari are steeped in tradition and history going back thousands of years. Formerly the property of the Afono-Zagraf Monastery, Purcari winery was established in 1827. In 1878 at the Paris World Exhibition the jury awarded the gold medal to a dry, densely coloured red wine which they believed to be a new brand wine from the Bordeaux region. They were surprised to learn that the wine came from an unknown village called Purcari situated on the river Nistru.
Purcari wines have enjoyed a royal following throughout the years and were ordered to the tables of historic figures such as the Russian Emperor Nikolay II, King George V and Queen Victoria. Locally the variety of Negru de Purcari is referred to as the “Queen of England’s Wine” as Queen Elizabeth II regularly orders the 1990 vintage.
As of April 2006, Purcari Winery has won 27 awards at specialized international contests and wine tasting for the high 
quality and exquisite taste of its wines.


King George V and Queen Elizabeth                                  Nicolay II                                                                                                        














Wine producers from Moldova hope to export wine to USA


Moldova hopes to supply wine goods to the United States of America.
According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova Viorel Gutu, in order to learn about the trade’s specific character in this country, a Moldovan delegation of wine producers and representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) visited it recently.“Representatives of 9 wine companies, including Vinaria Purcari, Chateau Vartely, Lion Gri, Agro-vin Bulboaca and Salcuta, visited the U.S.A. They visited profiled exhibitions, learned the market, prices, communicated with colleagues from the U.S. and other countries”, Gutu said.According to him, the wine producers got advices from largest marketing and consulting companies of the U.S.A.“The wine producers learned about the process of wines production, promotion and trading. It impressed us a lot the manner of talk with clients, as well as the respect that profiled companies enjoy of clients. We hope that we will be able too to export wine goods to the United States”, Gutu said.In the end of this week, the MoA will hold an enlarged session of the wine promotion council to consider the Moldovan wines popularization and exports to the U.S. market. U.S. Ambassador to Moldova Asif Chaudhry will also participate in the meeting.

Cricova Brut Exclusive (Hand-Crafted Crystal)


Both the creativity and the high-level professionalism of the Cricova wine-makers are clearly expressed in this exclusive product – the Crystal Collection Brut Spumant. This wine is remarkable for its nobleness and elegance to fully deserve alone the right of being in the top list for an unforgettable VIP present which will undoubtedly pleasantly surprise even the most demanding wine connoisseur. Indisputably the classical values of the old French Champenoise method contributed directly to the harmonious and pure taste of this wine, however the selection of just the highest quality grapes of European classical varieties - Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, being cultivated in the Central region of Moldova to be then matured in the excellent Cricova Cellars is what makes it stand out from the croud. Nothing taken, nothing added - just the perfectly equilibrated natural bouquet of what a Brut should taste like! On the other hand, its beautiful packaging represents not just an expensive souvenir, but also an excellent way of enjoying the unrepeatable beauty of light sparks, piercing through the fine body of the wine, screened and reflected by pure crystal edges of the bottle…

Cricova Cahor 1987 Cellar Collection Dessert Wine


Cricova Cahor 1987 Cellar Collection Wine is produced from the finest grapes of the classical european Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes, cultivated on the  sunny, soil-rich slopes of the Moldavian hills. Only the best harvest years make it into the famous Cricova cellars following the stringent assesment of the Cricova oenologists. Innitially matured in the french oak casks, the Cricova Cahor 1987 Cellar Collection Wine was then cork-bottled and wax sealed, to be cellared in the underground city of Cricova, situated at a depth of 80m, galleries which are characterised by a unique microclimate: vibration free, an all-year-around temperature of 12º-14ºC and humidity of 85-95%. This 1987 wine is a reserve collection and there have been made just a limited quantity of this elegantly matured wine from the outstanding grapes of the 100% 1987 Cabernet Sauvignon!

Cricova Dionis 1986 Cellar Collection Wine


Cricova Dionis 1986 Cellar Collection Wine is produced from the finest grapes of the classical european Cabernet-Sauvignon and Pinot-Noir grapes, cultivated on the sunny, soil-rich slopes of the Moldavian hills.
Only the best harvest years make it into the famous Cricova cellars following the stringent assesment of the Cricova oenologists. Innitially matured in the french oak casks, the Cricova Dionis 1986 Cellar Collection Wine was then cork-bottled and wax sealed, to be cellared in the underground city of Cricova, situated at a depth of 80m, galleries which are characterised by a unique microclimate: vibration free, an all-year-around temperature of 12º-14ºC and humidity of 85-95%. This 1986 wine is a reserve collection and there have been made just a limited number of this elegantly matured wine from the outstanding grapes of the 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Pinot-Noir (80%)

Cricova Chardonnay 2005 Prestige Collection Wine


Cricova Prestige Collection Chardonnay is distinguished by its pure light-straw color, rich perfectly-balanced flower bouquet, fine harmonious taste with delicate vanilla tints and a fine aroma of oak barrels ageing. The 2005 Chardonnay harvest was selected by Cricova oenologists to produce this prestige colection wine - a true masterpiece! Just the selected grapes in the selected years make it into the Cricova Cellars!
To be served at a temperature of +10°-+12°С, accompanied by cold starters, soft blue cheeses, spicy chicken or game and sauces, roasted or grilled fish as well as soups, salads, seafood or tomato and cheese pizza. This precious, exquisite wine will bring to your table a refined ambience of nobleness and impeccable style.

Cricova Cabernet 2005 Prestige Collection Wine


This wine is distinguished by its gorgeous pomegranate color, rich perfectly-balanced bouquet with almond and violet aromas and full, velveteen taste, with vivid prunes and cherry pit tints, thanks to the aging in oak barrels.
The 2005 Cabernet harvest was selected by Cricova oenologists to produce this prestige colection wine - a true masterpiece! Just the selected grapes in the selected years make it into the Cricova Cellars!
To be served at room’s temperature (+16°-+18°С), accompanied by complex, spicy meat dishes like: fried, grilled or stuffed with vegetables pork, lamb or veal, with various piquant sauces, cutlets, goulash, beafstroganoff, spaghetti with aromatic meat sauces, game etc, as well as by hard noble cheese varieties. 
This precious, exquisite wine will bring to your table a refined ambience of nobleness and irreproachable style.

Cricova Dionis 1992 Cellar Collection Wine

Cricova Dionis 1992 Cellar Collection Wine is produced from the finest grapes of the classical european Cabernet-Sauvignon and Pinot-Noir grapes, cultivated on the  sunny, soil-rich slopes of the Moldavian hills. Only the best harvest years make it into the famous Cricova cellars following the stringent assesment of the Cricova oenologists. Innitially matured in the french oak casks, the Cricova Dionis 1992 Cellar Collection Wine was then cork-bottled and wax sealed, to be cellared in the underground city of Cricova, situated at a depth of 80m, galleries which are characterised by a unique microclimate: vibration free, an all-year-around temperature of 12º-14ºC and humidity of 85-95%. This 1992 wine is a reserve collection and there have been made just a limited number of this elegantly matured wine from the outstanding grapes of the 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Pinot-Noir (80%)

Cricova Brut Exclusive (Gold Engraved Crystal)


Both the creativity and the high-level professionalism of the Cricova wine-makers are clearly expressed in this exclusive product – the Crystal Collection Brut Spumant. This wine is remarkable for its nobleness and elegance to fully deserve alone the right of being in the top list for an unforgettable VIP present which will undoubtedly pleasantly surprise even the most demanding wine connoisseur. Indisputably the classical values of the old French Champenoise method contributed directly to the harmonious and pure taste of this wine, however the selection of just the highest quality grapes of European classical varieties - Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, being cultivated in the Central region of Moldova to be then matured in the excellent Cricova Cellars is what makes it stand out from the croud. Nothing taken, nothing added - just the perfectly equilibrated natural bouquet of what a Brut should taste like! On the other hand, its beautiful Hand Crafted and Gold Engraved Crystal in-house designed bottle represents not just an expensive souvenir, but an excellent way of enjoying the unrepeatable beauty of light sparks, piercing through the fine body of the wine, screened and reflected by pure crystal edges of the bottle…

Cricova Codru 1995 Cellar Collection Wine


Cricova Codru 1995 Cellar Collection Wine is produced from the finest grapes of the classical european Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, cultivated on the sunny, soil-rich slopes of the Moldavian hills.
Only the best harvest years make it into the famous Cricova cellars following the stringent assesment of the Cricova oenologists. Innitially matured in the french oak casks, the Cricova Codru 1995 Cellar Collection Wine was then cork-bottled and wax sealed, to be cellared in the underground city of Cricova, situated at a depth of 80m, galleries which are characterised by a unique microclimate: vibration free, an all-year-around temperature of 12º-14ºC and humidity of 85-95%. This 1995 wine is a reserve collection and there have been made just 15000 bottles of this elegantly matured wine from the outstanding grapes of the 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) and Merlot (20%)

Cricova Cabernet 1990 Cellar Collection Wine


Cricova Cabernet 1990 Cellar Collection Wine is produced from the finest grapes of the classical european Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes, cultivated on the  sunny, soil-rich slopes of the Moldavian hills. Only the best harvest years make it into the famous Cricova cellars following the stringent assesment of the Cricova oenologists. Innitially matured in the french oak casks, the Cricova Cabernet 1990 Cellar Collection Wine was then cork-bottled and wax sealed, to be cellared in the underground city of Cricova, situated at a depth of 80m, galleries which are characterised by a unique microclimate: vibration free, an all-year-around temperature of 12º-14ºC and humidity of 85-95%. This 1990 wine is a reserve collection and there have been made just a limited quantity of this elegantly matured wine from the outstanding grapes of the 100% 1990 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cricova Cabernet 1993 Cellar Collection Wine

Cricova Cabernet 1993 Cellar Collection Wine is produced from the finest grapes of the classical european Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes, cultivated on the  sunny, soil-rich slopes of the Moldavian hills. Innitially matured in french oak casks, the Cricova Cabernet 1993 Cellar Collection Wine was then cork-bottled and wax sealed, to be cellared in the underground city of Cricova, situated at a depth of 80m, galleries which are characterised by a unique microclimate: vibration free, an all-year-around temperature of 12º-14ºC and humidity of 85-95%. This 1993 wine is a reserve collection and there have been made just a limited quantity of this elegantly matured wine from the outstanding grapes of the 100% 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cricova Gratiesti 1990 Cellar Collection Dessert Wine


Cricova Gratiesti 1990 Cellar Collection Wine is produced from the finest grapes of Rkatsiteli, cultivated on the  sunny, soil-rich slopes of the Moldavian hills. Only the best harvest years make it into the famous Cricova cellars following the stringent assesment of the Cricova oenologists. Innitially matured in the french oak casks, the Cricova Gratiesti 1990 Cellar Collection Wine was then cork-bottled and wax sealed, to be cellared in the underground city of Cricova, situated at a depth of 80m, galleries which are characterised by a unique microclimate: vibration free, an all-year-around temperature of 12º-14ºC and humidity of 85-95%. This 1990 wine is a reserve collection and there have been made just a limited number of bottles of this elegantly matured wine from the outstanding grapes of the 1990 Rkatsiteli.

150 million euros to make wine from Moldova richer, and the road straight


European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide financial assistance to the Republic of Moldova, occupying the country 150 million euros. The money republic uses to finance the program provides for repair of roads, as well as for the development of viticulture and winemaking sector.
The loan agreement by the European Investment Bank, Moldova signed the Regional Director for Eastern Europe, EIB Sinodino Constantine and Prime Minister Filat. Moreover, the latter pointed out that the whole of Moldova plans to repair the 93.6 km of roads. Work on the implementation of this program should begin next year and be completed in 2014.Also, project financing and the money will help the Bank. It will provide Moldova with 75 million euros.The second part of the money allocated for viticulture and wine sector, in particular for the repair and equipping of laboratories that test the quality of wine, the establishment of centers for training, as well as the purchase of production equipment and the provision of a lease of winemaking, and finally on-lending by commercial banks companies viticulture and wine sector, as well as many other important tasks for this sector.It is important to note that the EIB has provided Moldova with road repairs for a period of 18 years (suspended for 5 years) under 3% per annum. But the second loan, allocated by this bank under a wine sector is granted for a term of 12 years (suspended for 4 years) by the same percentage.

Albastrele is one of «1000 Vins du Monde»


Blanc de Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc from Albastrele collection are in «1000 Vins du Monde» guide, by results of the international contest Vinalies Internationalies held annually by the Union des Œnologues de France. Acorex Wine Holding is the only winemaker from both Moldova and CIS countries to get the acknowledgement of the international jury.
«1000 Vins du Monde» is the annual world-wide wines’ guide popularly accepted by European customers. They do trust this guide and do base their wine choices upon it for it includes only those wines rewarded by golden and silver awards of Vinalies Internationalies contest, which means they were approved by wine professionals of highest level from all over the world.
Acorex Wine Holding with its Albastrele collection is rewarded with two golden awards of the contest (Vinalies d’Or). This year Acorex is the only winemaker to represent both Moldova and CIS countries in «1000 Vins du Monde». Totally, this year the guide will represent wines of all styles from 30 countries of the world.
In 2011, Vinalies Internationalies brought together almost 3,500 samples from all the world’s wine regions. The Union des Œnologues de France defined the awards of Vinalies d’Or and Vinalies d’Argent and, according to the OIV rules, the number of awards is limited to 30% of all participating wines.
International jury is composed of French and international enologists and other specialists recognized for their skills as regards tasting, from very different areas such as: production, marketing, consumption, communication, etc. After individual blind tasting, the juries give each sample a score and a tasting note. These notes are then included into the guide «1000 Vins du Monde» published after the contest by the Union des Œnologues de France together with Hachette Pratique.

Wine's effect on the body

Bones
Heavy alcohol consumption has been shown to have a damaging effect on the cellular process that create bone tissue. Long term alcoholic consumption at high levels increases the frequency of fractures. Studies from St. Thomas' Hospital in London and the Epidimiologie de l'Ostioporose (EPIDOS) medical group in France suggest that moderate wine consumption may offer positive benefits to women, particularly elderly women, in retaining bone density and reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis. While consuming more than three glasses of wine a day was shown to reduce bone density, the French study showed that women who drank moderately (1 to 3 glasses a day) had more overall increases in bone density over the two year study period. However, the physicians who took part in the French study noted that other factors could be in play apart from wine consumption with moderate drinkers being more likely to live active lifestyles that included physical activity which also benefits bone density.
Cancer
Alcohol is a toxin and damages cells. The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen. Studies have linked even moderate consumption of alcohol to increase risk for a variety of cancers including breast, colon, esophageal and stomach cancer. Focus on wine's positive benefits regarding cancer has centered on the antioxidantproperties of resveratrol, found in grapes, with some laboratory results showing a protective quality that inhibit cancerous changes in cells. The research is ongoing with no conclusive results though some studies suggest that moderate wine consumption may lower the risk forlung, ovarian and prostate cancer.
In early 2009, three independent studies published in the medical journal of Gastroenterologysuggest that moderate wine consumption may reduce the risk of certain forms of esophageal cancers such as esophageal adenocarcinoma and the precancerous condition Barrett's esophagus. In one study, conducted by Kaiser Permanente in California, respondents who reported drinking no more than 1 glass of wine a day had a 56% decrease in the risk for developing Barrett's esophagus-a rate lower than that of heavy and non-drinkers. While heavy alcohol consumption has been proven to increase the risk of esophageal, these studies suggest thatantioxidants in wine may offer some benefit if consumed in moderation but there is not a conclusive link. In response to these studies, Dr Prateek Sharma, MD, of the University of KansasSchool of Medicine, notes that there may be other links such as people who drink wine leading generally healthier lifestyles with consuming less fats and eating more fruits and vegetables.

Cardiovascular system

Studies have shown that heavy drinkers put themselves at greater risk for heart disease and developing potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause higher blood pressure, increase cholesterol levels and weakened heart muscles. For moderate drinkers, medical research indicates moderate wine consumption may lower the mortality rate and risk of heart of disease. Studies have shown that moderate wine drinker can improve the balance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) to high-density lipoprotein (HDL "good" cholesterol), which has been theorized as to clean up or remove LDL from blocking arteries. The main cause of heart attacks and the pain of angina is the lack of oxygen caused by blood clots and atheromatous plaque build up in the arteries. The alcohol in wine has anticoagulant properties that limits blood clotting by making the plateletsin the blood less prone to stick together and reducing the levels of fibrin protein that binds them together. However these anticoagulant properties of wine only stay in the system for a maximum of 24 hours after consumption. While having a glass of wine the night before may lower the risk of having a heart attack the next day, there is still the potential of long-term effects of alcohol. These anticoagulant properties can also be amplified adversely by binge drinking, with the individual becoming over-anticoagulated and at increase risk of a stroke or heart attack.



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Health effects of wine


Source:Wikipedia
The issue of wine and health is a topic of considerable discussion and research. Wine has a long history of use as an early form of medication, being recommended variously as a safe alternative to drinking water, an antiseptic for treating wounds and a digestive aid, as well as a cure for a wide range of ailments from lethargy and diarrhea to easing the pain of child birth.
Ancient Egyptian Papyri and Sumerian tablets dating back to 2200 BC detail the medicinal role of wine, making it the world's oldest documented man-made medicine. Wine continued to play a major role in medicine until the late 19th and early 20th century, when changing opinions and medical research on alcohol and alcoholism cast doubt on the role of wine as part of a healthy lifestyle and diet.

In the late 20th and early 21st century, fueled in part by public interest in reports by the U.S.news broadcast 60 Minutes on the so-called "French Paradox", the medical establishment began to re-evaluate the role of moderate wine consumption in health. Studies have since shown positive benefits of the phenolic compound resveratrol with continued research attempting to better understand its functions in wine and the body.

The most expensive wine in the world

The Cricova winery collection from Moldova contains the Hermann Göring’s wine collection, which was seized by the Russians after WWII. This collection contains among others a Jewish desert wine produced in Jerusalem in 1902, for which the rumor has it a price of US $1,000,000 was offered. Several other wines from across Europe make part of this rich collection including five bottles of Mouton Rothschild from 1936.


The Auction Collectibles

The most expensive wine ever bought is considered to be the 1787 Chateau Lafite which was sold at Christie’s London in December, 1985 for £105,000 (at that time equivalent of US $156,000). This bottle of wine is believed to be from the cellar of Thomas Jefferson (former US President) as it had the Th.J initials etched into the glass bottle. It’s great age alone would have ensured a good price at the auction, but what made the record price tag was the Th.J. etch. There’s a whole story about this bottle of wine which we’ll share with you in the next post.
There was another bottle though, which technically had a higher price tag but was never actually sold. Another bottle with Jefferson’s initials, a 1787 Chateau Margaux from an English owner was offered for sale by William Sokolin, a New York wine merchant. In 1989 he was asking US $500,000 for it when he took it to a Chateau Margaux dinner at the Four Seasons restaurant. A clumsy waiter carryingsomething bumped the bottle breaking it, so the bottle didn’t actually get sold or get any buy offers, but because it was insured, the insurance company however payed US $225,000 for the damage, thus 1787 Chateau Margaux becoming the most expensive broken bottle of wine.

The Drinkable Vintages
On a auction in 2006, the 1945 Mouton Rothschild became the most expensive vintage wine in the world. An auctioneer bought 6 magnum bottles for $345,000 and 12 regular bottles for $290,000 bringing the value of Mouton Rothschild 1945 to US $28,750 a bottle. 

Previously the same type of 1945 Mouton Rothschild wines were sold for over US $20,000 at various actions as well. The difference between the collectible wines that cannot be drink anymore and the vintage wines is obvious as they can still be enjoyed. The maximum age for a vintage dry wine is around 50 years, but some premium Bordeaux typescan resist longer. The desert wines on the other hand can stay drinkable much longer.


The most expensive retail wines

Pétrus and Romanée Conti are considered to be the most expensive wines in retail. A bottle of a new Pétrus vintage will cost a minimum US $1,000. Although Pétrus does not have any ranking, the quality is the same as any first growth wines from Bordeaux. The winery is located in Pomerol, Bordeaux and the dominant grape is Merlot.
The price of a Romanée Conti bottle is often 2 or 3 times higher then Pétrus easily reaching around US $3,000 for a bottle and even more. Romanée Conti is considered to be one of the best red wines in the world. The winery is located in Cote-de-Nuits in Burgundy and the main grape is Pinot Noir. Wines are produced here in very small quantities but the demand is huge. A bottle of the 1978 Romanée Conti was sold for US $24,000 in an auction.



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