Red wine is a type of wine made from dark-colored grape varieties. The color of the wine can range from intense violet, typical of young wines, through to brick red for mature wines and brown for older red wines. The juice from most purple grapes is greenish-white, the red color coming from anthocyan pigments present in the skin of the grape. Much of the red wine production process involves extraction of color and flavor components from the grape skin.

While red wine has been enjoying a bit of a renaissance in recent years, it still has something of a reputation as a drinks for older, sophisticated palates. However, there are a number of health benefits associated with red wine that make it well worth seeking out, no matter what your age or taste preference may be. For one thing, red wine is packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage and prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Red wine is also thought to boost levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, which helps to keep arteries clear and prevent the build-up of plaque. So next time you’re considering what to drink with dinner, don’t write off red wine – it just might be the option that’s good for your body as well as your taste buds.

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