© 1996 JDM Enterprises All Rights Reserved Vol. I No. 14 MISCELLANY by Jerry D. Mead This is one of those days when you will be subjected to my cleaning off my desk. I'll be sharing several items I've meant to tell you about for a couple of weeks but never seemed to have the space. ABOUT DELTA For many years Delta Airlines had one of the worst wine programs in the sky. It was a Delta flight, though admittedly 15 years ago, where I observed a perky stewardess (and that's what we called them back then) respond to a lady in front of me who asked if she could have a glass of rose. Our heroine opened a red and a white and, without missing a beat, poured equal amounts of each into a glass for the struck-speechless passenger. And it was another Delta flight attendant, with a full blown southern accent, who asked each and every passenger on a morning flight, "Y'all want wine with yore breakfast?" The good news is that Delta has hired a full time wine consultant, a fellow named Kenneth Chase, and at least in the premium cabins you'll be able to drink the likes of Franciscan Oakville Estate Chardonnay, Giesen Estate Chardonnay from New Zealand, Chateau Pontet-Canet from Bordeaux or Bollinger Champagne. On top of the better quality wines, each business and first class patron will receive a booklet discussing the wines, their producers and other interesting wine facts. Alas! The press announcement doesn't say what's being served to us commoners back in coach, who seem to keep drinking the same plonk, whatever the airline. GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS Bad news first. After many years of producing one of America's top ten major wine competitions, the city of Reno, Nevada, has allowed The Reno West Coast Wine Competition to die. During a recent personnel shake-up, the local visitor authority announced it would no longer sponsor the nationally respected event. The good news is that the publisher of Vineyard & Winery Management magazine has picked up the concept and will conduct the event in Santa Rosa, California. It will retain the West Coast Wine Competition name (without the Reno, of course). WINE & THE MIND The medical studies showing that moderate wine consumption is heart-healthy and adds to longevity in general are so many and so overwhelming that even anti-alcohol zealots have pretty much yielded on that point. Now a recent report in the French medical journal Revue Neurologique, says that in a study of 3700 men and women over 65, that moderate wine drinkers showed a 75 percent decrease in the rate of Alzheimer's and an 80 percent decrease in the rate of dementia. A study by the same medical team, reported on in 1993, also showed that elderly wine consumers performed best on a test of cognitive function. So it appears that wine is good for the brain as well as for the heart. DRINK WINE/STAY THIN I frequently hear people express concern over the calories in wine and that they would consume it more often if they weren't so concerned with weight gain. A report in The Journal of the American College of Nutrition tells of research where subjects engaged in a 12 week crossover study where they either drank two glasses of wine with dinner for the first six weeks and then abstained for six weeks or vice versa. No changes in body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, or blood glucose or insulin, were noted as a result of the wine consumption. Scientists and the public have always assumed that alcohol calories led to weight gain, but new evidence seems to indicate that simply isn't true. One theory is that alcohol calories may be metabolized differently. A Harvard study and a Finnish study, among others over the past decade, have found that increased alcohol intake does not lead to increased weight. The Finnish study found that daily drinkers were the leanest of all, and without any interference in necessary daily nutrients. The Harvard study showed no gain for men and actual decreased body weight for women who drank regularly. (References to specific studies and medical journal sources are available from the Research & Education Dept. of Wine Institute at 415/356-7522 or www.wineinstitute.org) SANGIOVESE SYMPOSIUM That king (or maybe queen) of Italian grape varieties that is being planted and experimented with by so many California wineries, will be the subject of its first international, non-profit, educational forum for growers, vintners, other members of the trade (and perhaps enthusiastic consumers) who can wangle a ticket. It's a $300 a head party, presented by Atlas Peak Vineyards of Napa in cooperation with Marchesi Antinori of Florence, Italy. A famous Italian chef is being imported to prepare dinner and some of the best known Sangiovese producers from both continents will participate. Panel discussions, tastings and dinner are on the program. Call Atlas Peak Vineyards (707) 252-7971 for details. BEST BUY WINE OF THE WEEK Jekel 1991 "Arroyo Seco" Meritage Red ($10) This may just be the best value red wine to win a gold medal (and "Best of Price Class") at the recent New World International. A six year old red made from a blend of the famous Bordeaux family of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The fruit leans to berry with a pleasant hint of green olive. The bouquet and the aftertaste have already developed some complexity and the tannins are rounded and inoffensive. This wine will set on the table with competitors selling for up to $25. Don't expect it to last long at this price. Rating: 89/98 Wines are scored using a unique 100 point system. First number rates quality; second number rates value. HOME The Mead On Wine Web Page is designed, maintained and hosted by Wines on the Internet. Reproduction rights reserved. Latest Update: April 27, 1997