Cannonau - The Miracle wine from Sardinia

Ever since the "French Paradox" was featured on 60 Minutes in the early 1990's, people have focused their attention on red wine.  In France, despite having a diet rich in fat, they also have lower rates of heart disease.  Thus the paradox, and red wine seemed to be the reason.  Red wines have high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols which not only reduce levels of LDLs, but increase levels of HDL.  Basically, they lower the bad fats and increase the good fats.

Since then, it has been discovered that the wine with the highest level of polyphenols, in particular resveratrol, is one called Cannonau from the Island of Sardinia.  Cannonau is also know as Garnacha or Grenache in other parts of the world.  But there is something about the wines grown on this island that have more heart healthy benefits.  Located in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is part of Italy and rests north of the island of Sicily.

Sardinia is considered a "Blue Zone".  These are places where a disproportionate number of people live to be over 100 years. Other know "Blue Zones" are the island of Okinawa in Japan, Ikaria in Greece, Loma Linda in California and Nicoya in Costa Rica. What these places have in common, other than longevity, is their diet.  This is a diet loaded with vegetables, fruits and nuts.

So if you're looking to get your cholesterol down, consider Cannonau from Sardinia.  Some good examples are Santadi Noras (90 points, Wine Spectator), Olianas and Pala i Fiori.

Why not try this with a hearty bowl of Vegetable Soup.

4-5 carrots, diced
5-6 celery stalks, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 Tbs. Olive Oil
4 potatoes, cubed
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. vegetable base
2 carrots, pureed
1/2 C. lentils
1 orange, juiced, plus half of the zest

1. Saute carrots, celery, shallots, and peppers in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for about 3 minutes.
2. Add broth and all other ingredients except for citrus and parsley.
3. Turn up heat to boil and turn down to low-med to simmer.
4. Simmer for 45-50 minutes.

Finish by squeezing in citrus juice and zest.

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If you don't like lentils, use rice, quinoa, or any other legume or grain.