Many of the much touted health benefits of red wine rest firmly on the antioxidant compound, resveratrol, found in the skins and seeds of grapes. Since red wines typically enjoy extended contact time with the grape's skins during fermentation they will naturally have higher levels of resveratrol.

It's these elevated resveratrol levels in red wine that are causing much of the buzz in many studies correlating red wine consumption with a wide variety of health benefits.  Want to learn more about red wine's resveratrol compound and what it could mean for your health?  Check it out here.

Looking for an extremely versatile red wine?  One that can take you from summer's best grilled fare through winter's hearty stews in one easy label?  Then, check out Ancient Peak's 2007 Merlot (to buy direct) - a delicious bargain in the under $20 price category. 

For starters, this wine will take you through a series of scents - coming out of the gates with ripe red raspberry and cherry aromas that are closely followed by a subtle blend of cocoa, vanilla and espresso.   On the palate, similar fruit flavors make their mark with more intensity and now joined by blackberry and the silk-driven textures of very supple tannins.  Both the wine's overall balance and the medium-bodied profile are well-presented and make it remarkably food-friendly.   Pair this Merlot with anything from grilled chicken, to pork chops and beef and vegetable stew to spaghetti and meatballs. 

It's one thing to not cry over spilled milk, but it's an entirely different thing to hold back tears when a full glass of red wine leaves its fatal mark on your carpet, clothes or other favorite fabrics! What can you do to remove red wine stains from your carpet, area rugs or clothing?  Check it out here.

Most people know Annika Sorenstam as one of golf's greatest legends, but that paradigm may be expanding to allow for new introductions to be had on the basis of her own wine label, Annika Vineyards.   Through a partnership with Wente Vineyards, Annika is set to release her second wine, the 2008 Annika Chardonnay, on July 25th at the Second Annual Wine & Golf Event held at California's Wente Vineyards.  For those who happen to share a dual enthusiasm for  both the world of wine and golf, the Annika Chardonnay release party promises to marry the two complimentary passions of wine and golf in an all day event featuring:

• A Golf Clinic led by Annika
• A Shotgun Tournament at Wente Vineyards championship course designed by Greg Norman
• Tournament Tasting of both Annika Vineyards' Wines on Hole 7 and 14
• Outdoor Dinner at Wente Vineyards

The 2008 Annika Chardonnay is a charming, full-bodied white wine, packed with plenty of ripe stone fruit and zesty citrus tones.  Rich textures, refreshing acidity and an overarching sense of balance make this a wine to remember.