The stronger more potent Red Wine of today

Feeling tipsy faster? What changed?

Ladies and gentlemen, let's talk about red wine. The drink that has been celebrated for centuries for its complex flavors, rich aroma, and supposed health benefits. But times have changed, and so has red wine. I used to love having my red wine as well. Sometimes too much. Hey I’ll pair it with a steak I said. I used to realize that it just wasn’t the same red wine I used to have when I was growing up.

The red wine of today is not the same as the red wine of our ancestors, and it's important that we understand the difference. One glass would get me loopy. I used to ask others as well, and get the same response. May people telling me they never drink red wine anymore. So, today, we're going to take a look at what's changed with red wine. 

Higher Alcohol Content

For starters, the alcohol content in red wine has been on the rise in recent years. The average red wine now clocks in at around 15% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is significantly higher than the 10-12% ABV that was typical in the past. This may not seem like a big difference on paper, but in practice, it means that a glass of red wine today packs a much stronger punch than a glass of red wine did just a few decades ago. Some of the most popular brands like Prisoner, Camus are filled with higher sugars as well as we will dine into below.

The Grape Decline

But it's not just the alcohol content that has changed in modern red wine. The grapes used to make red wine today are also different from the grapes used in the past. Advances in viticulture have allowed for grape varieties that are higher in sugar, which translates to higher alcohol levels in the finished product. These grape varieties also tend to produce red wines that are more full-bodied and robust, which can mask the higher alcohol content and make it even easier to overindulge. Not what we used to drink in the past. I remember being able to share a couple of bottles with some friends and enjoying the buzz. These days its headaches and loopy minds.

Don't Sacrifice Your Gains

For fitness enthusiasts as I know you all are, the higher alcohol content and more potent nature of red wine can be a serious problem. Not only does alcohol add empty calories to your diet, but it also interferes with muscle recovery and can negatively impact your overall fitness goals. Even one glass of red wine can dehydrate your body, leading to muscle cramps and fatigue, as well as slowing down muscle recovery after a workout. I’ve had the best results when I go for weeks or even months not having even one glass. Believe it or not, even one glass can send my body for a tailspin.

Alcohol also affects the body's ability to burn fat. By making the liver busy with metabolizing alcohol, it prevents it from metabolizing the fat stored. This means that any weight loss goals you have could be thwarted by consuming even moderate amounts of red wine.

Furthermore, red wine is not a good fit for those who take dietary supplements. Many supplements, such as protein powders and pre-workouts, are not designed to be taken with booze, so consuming alcohol beforehand or after can negate their effects and render them ineffective.

Another aspect to consider is red wine's impact on the liver, it is a well-known fact that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, and this includes red wine, even though it has some benefits like antioxidant compounds, which could be beneficial to the heart.

It's Just Not Worth It - So Don't!

In short, while red wine may have once been a simple and harmless beverage, today's red wine is a different beast altogether. With higher alcohol content and more potent grapes, it's easier than ever to overindulge and sabotage your fitness goals. If you're serious about your health and fitness, it's best to avoid red wine altogether and opt for healthier alternatives like water or herbal teas. Try going dry for a while and feel the benefits that will come from that. If you must pair your steak with a beautiful red, I have as well, keep it to just one glass. You will thank me the day after.