For those who enjoy Champagne, there is good news. In addition to the light effervescent taste of Champagne, according to an article in the Telegraph online newspaper, “Champagne is as Good for the Heart as Cocoa – But More Fun, Scientists Find,” there may also be health benefits.

At Reading University in England, Dr. Jeremy Spencer, head of a team of researchers, discovered that Champagne has some of the health benefits that red wines have been discovered to have.

The Telegraph newspaper article quoted Dr. Spencer, “We have found that a couple of glasses a day has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels – which suggests champagne has the potential to reduce strokes and heart disease.”

Does the Champagne need to be “Champagne?” According to the article Cava and Prosecco also provide the health benefits.

The article mentions Champagnes produced with red and white grapes. Here in the US, sparkling wines are also produced with single varietal grapes including Riesling and several other varieties. Will the research show that sparkling wine produced as a single varietal with Riesling be as healthful? I imagine that this will begin another research study.

For the holidays enjoy a glass of Champagne and delight in the fact that research is showing that it may have the health benefits of red wine.

Cheers! Kathy