Wine Lovers' Guide To Beer: Red Wine Alternatives

Wine and beer are two of the world's most popular drinks, but which is better? While it's a matter of taste, there are some subtle differences in the way they affect your body and your health. For example, a pint of lager has the same alcohol content as a medium-sized glass of wine, but the speed at which you become inebriated depends on how quickly the alcohol enters your bloodstream. Spirits enter the bloodstream the fastest, followed by wine, and then beer. So, if you're a red wine drinker, what beer should you drink? Well, it depends on the type of red wine you like. If you're a fan of Pinot Noir, you might want to try a lager or light beer. If you prefer a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon, a porter or dark ale could be a good choice. Ultimately, the best beer for a red wine drinker is a matter of personal preference, but understanding the similarities and differences between wines and beers can help guide your choices.

Beer vs wine: which is best?

Nutritional Value

Beer has a higher nutritional value than wine. Beer contains protein, fibre, B vitamins, folate, and niacin, making it more like food. Beer also contains hops, which have been approved by Germany's Commission E to treat restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Studies in mice have also shown that hops may inhibit obesity. Additionally, hoppy beer can increase bone mineral density.

On the other hand, wine, especially red wine, contains polyphenols, including flavonoids, which can relax blood vessel walls and prevent the oxidation of "bad" cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. Red wine also contains resveratrol, which has been linked to a reduced risk of type-2 diabetes, improved cardiovascular health, and slower ageing.

Calories

A pint of beer has 50% more calories than a small glass of wine, with an average of 180 calories per pint. However, studies have shown that moderate drinkers of both wine and beer do not tend to gain weight over the short term.

Hangovers

While scientists have not yet found a cure for hangovers, they believe that dehydration and congeners, the organic molecules that give drinks their unique flavour and aroma, may be contributing factors. In general, darker drinks are thought to contain more congeners, but the evidence regarding beer and wine is ambiguous, with no significant difference in the severity of hangovers.

Overall Health Benefits

When it comes to overall health benefits, wine, especially red wine, is considered the better choice. Red wine has been linked to reduced inflammation, improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of diabetes. Beer also offers some health benefits, including improved bone health and potentially reduced obesity, but these benefits are more modest compared to those of wine.

Social Context

The choice between beer and wine may also depend on the social context. Wine is often associated with sophistication and special occasions, such as toasts, dates, and dinners. Beer, on the other hand, is typically associated with casual gatherings and larger quantities of consumption.

Taste

Lastly, taste is a subjective factor that may influence an individual's preference for beer or wine. Some people may prefer the taste of wine, finding it more refined and complex, while others may favour the bitterness and carbonation of beer.

In conclusion, while both beer and wine have their unique characteristics and benefits, wine, specifically red wine, may be considered the "best" option when it comes to overall health benefits and social versatility. However, beer provides higher nutritional value and can also offer health advantages, especially when consumed in moderation. Ultimately, the choice between beer and wine depends on individual preferences, occasions, and drinking habits.

Wines for beer lovers

If you're a beer drinker, the world of wine might seem intimidating, with its fancy lingo and complex flavour profiles. But it doesn't have to be that way! Wine, just like beer, comes in many varieties, and there are plenty of options for beer lovers to find something they enjoy. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate the world of wine and discover new favourites:

Lagers and Light Beer Lovers

If you enjoy a crisp, refreshing lager or light beer, why not try a glass of Cava? Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine that's easy on the wallet and pairs well with a variety of foods. It's bubbly and invigorating, just like your favourite lager, but with a touch of elegance.

Pale Alesection

Pale ales are richer and more flavourful than light beers, offering a balanced taste that's not too bitter. If you're a fan of pale ales, you might enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir. This light-bodied red wine is also well-balanced and not overly tannic (bitter). Pinot Noir tends to be on the lighter side, with red fruit flavours and earthy notes. It's best served slightly cooler than other reds, making it a refreshing choice.

IPA Enthusiasts

For those who love the complex, fruity, and bitter flavours of an IPA, Carmenere could be a great wine choice. Hailing from Chile, Carmenere offers a fantastic balance of savoury, fruity, and bitter notes. It's a wine that can stand up to the complexity of an IPA while offering a similar sensory experience. If you're looking for other options, Cabernet Franc, Mourvedre, and Aglianico are also worth exploring.

Wheat Beer Aficionados

If you're a fan of smooth, creamy wheat beers, a buttery Chardonnay might be your new best friend. Chardonnay offers a refreshing taste with notes of apple, lemon, vanilla, and lemon curd from oak ageing. It's the perfect wine to quench your thirst while indulging in a creamy, smooth beverage. Viognier, Roussanne, and Semillon are also worth considering for wheat beer enthusiasts.

Belgium Ale Connoisseurs

Belgium ales, such as tripels, are known for their smooth texture, light bubbles, and higher alcohol content. If you appreciate the stand-alone nature and sweetness of these ales, you might enjoy a Shiraz or Grenache blend. These wines offer a similar smooth, unctuous quality with fruity and smoky-sweet flavours. Both Belgium ales and these fruit-forward wines look impressive in a big glass, making the drinking experience even more enjoyable.

Porter Drinkers

If you like your beer medium-bodied but with a punch of darkness and earthiness, you might be a porter drinker. To find a similar experience in the wine world, reach for a bottle of Bordeaux or Chianti. These wines have a healthy portion of earthiness in their flavour profile. They tend to be slightly lighter in alcohol content, giving them a more medium body, but still pack a punch with their high tannin content.

So, there you have it! A guide to help beer lovers navigate the world of wine. Remember, just like with beer, it's all about finding what you enjoy. Cheers to new tastes and adventures!

Beer bellies

The term "beer belly" refers to abdominal obesity, which is a health hazard that increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and other issues. While the name suggests that beer is the main culprit, research shows that it is not specifically responsible for the "beer belly". A study of nearly 2,000 adults in the Czech Republic found no link between beer consumption and waist circumference. Instead, the main cause of abdominal obesity is consuming more calories than the body can burn through exercise.

That being said, beer can contribute to abdominal obesity because of its high calorie content. A standard 12-ounce beer contains about 150 calories, while a light beer has around 110. In comparison, a 5-ounce glass of wine has approximately 100 calories. Since beer and wine have similar alcohol content, this means that beer has extra calories. These extra calories, combined with the tendency to consume fattening foods like pizza and wings while drinking beer, can lead to a "beer belly".

To prevent or reduce a "beer belly", it is important to address calorie intake and physical activity. This may include reducing alcohol consumption, opting for light beers, or alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercises like running, swimming, and cycling, can also help reduce body fat and promote weight loss.

While the term "beer belly" specifically refers to abdominal obesity, it is important to note that this type of fat distribution is not unique to beer drinkers. Any excess calories, whether from alcohol, sugary beverages, or oversized portions of food, can lead to increased belly fat. Additionally, as people age, their calorie needs decrease, and they may become less active, making it easier to gain weight. Both men and women are susceptible to abdominal obesity, although men tend to store more fat in their bellies due to hormonal differences.

Beer and wine pairings

While there are no hard and fast rules about which drinks go with which foods, some beer and food pairings are considered better than others. For those who like red wine, it's worth noting that red wines tend to be full-bodied and fruity, so a good beer pairing might share some of these characteristics. Here are some ideas for beer and wine pairings:

Beer and Food Pairing Ideas

• Spicy food: Beer has an amazing capacity to pair with spicy food. A spicy Thai dish, for example, can be paired with a spicy pale ale, creating a pleasant echo where notes in one sip evoke flavours in bites.
• Oysters: A dry, bitter stout is a classic pairing with oysters, perhaps due to the stout "cutting through" the sweetness of the shellfish.
• Pizza: The grease and acid in tomato sauce, along with fatty cheese, calls for a beer with hops to stand up to the cheese and bubbles to cleanse the palate. Ales, pilsners, and lagers are recommended over stouts, porters, or wheat beers, which may be too heavy or light.
• Cheese: Cheese is fatty and coats the mouth, while wine is astringent and drying. The astringent compounds in wine, called tannins, bind with the proteins in saliva to counter the oily mouthfeel of cheese, creating a balanced mouthfeel. This is why wine and cheese are considered a classic pairing.

Beer as an Alternative to Wine

Some beer varieties are also suggested as alternatives to wine when pairing with certain foods:

• Champagne: A Belgian Strong Golden Ale or Tripel is recommended as an alternative to champagne when pairing with caviar.
• Chablis: A Dry Stout is recommended as an alternative to Chablis when pairing with oysters or fried oysters in a po' boy.
• Chardonnay: A Flanders-style Red Ale or Grand Cru is recommended as an alternative to Chardonnay when pairing with lobster.
• Pinot Noir: A Belgian Dubbel is recommended as an alternative to Pinot Noir when pairing with duck.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: A Black Lager, Dry Stout, or "Black IPA" is recommended as an alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon when pairing with steak.
• Bordeaux: A Robust Porter or Smoked Porter is recommended as an alternative to Bordeaux when pairing with lamb.
• Rosé or Zinfandel: A Saison, Double IPA, or Black IPA is recommended as an alternative to Rosé or Zinfandel when pairing with barbecue or grilled foods.
• Port: A Barleywine is recommended as an alternative to Port when pairing with chocolate.

Other Considerations

When pairing beer and food, it's important to consider complementary or contrasting flavours, textures, temperatures, and timing. While it's not always the case, lighter dishes generally pair better with lighter beers, and heavier dishes with heavier beers. Beer also tends to taste better when served between 40°F and 50°F; if it's too warm, it can taste syrupy. Additionally, it's best to start with lighter beers and progress to darker beers throughout a meal to avoid overwhelming the palate early on.

Health benefits of wine

While it is important to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful, drinking wine in moderation has been linked to several health benefits.

Cardiovascular Health

Red wine, in particular, has been found to have a positive link with cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that drinking red wine in moderation is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, which is a leading cause of death in the United States. This is because wine appears to dilate arteries and increase blood flow, reducing the risk of clots that can damage heart muscles. Additionally, wine boosts levels of HDL, the "good" cholesterol, and prevents LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, from causing damage to the lining of arteries.

Cancer Protection

The phenolic compounds in wine, which lower the risk of heart disease, have also been found to slow the growth of breast cancer cells and suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells. An antioxidant in wine called resveratrol has been found to inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells. Resveratrol and another antioxidant, quercetin, may also help prevent oral cancer.

Stronger Bones

Some studies suggest that moderate drinkers may cut their risk of osteoporosis, or age-related bone thinning related to calcium loss. Women who drank one to three glasses of wine per day had greater bone mineral density than non-drinkers or heavy drinkers. Similar results were found in a study of elderly women and another study of men aged 54-63, indicating that moderate alcohol consumption may lead to greater bone mineral density.

Brain Health

Resveratrol, found in red wine, has been linked to improved brain health. It may help protect against secondary brain damage after a stroke or central nervous system injury due to its positive effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death. Additionally, resveratrol may help prevent vision loss by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are factors in many age-related eye conditions.

Diabetes Management

Some studies suggest that drinking a glass of red wine with dinner can modestly decrease cardiometabolic risk in people with type 2 diabetes. Ethanol in wine plays a crucial role in metabolizing glucose, and non-alcoholic ingredients may also contribute. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings, as one meta-analysis found that moderate wine consumption did not reduce glucose parameters among people with type 2 diabetes.

Longevity

Drinking red wine in moderation may reduce the risk of some chronic diseases and contribute to a longer life. Some research suggests that moderate red wine consumption can increase the expression of longevity-related genes and improve metabolic health. However, these effects may be due to confounding factors, such as diet, as red wine is commonly consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet, which is linked to good health and longevity.

While wine, especially red wine, has been linked to several health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation and always consult a doctor or official guidelines for advice on safe alcohol consumption.

Frequently asked questions