Lighter than wine with potential memory-enhancing properties? Yes we’re talking about our fave drink: bubbly!
The Studies Say…
Health researchers from the University of Reading in England were investigating how certain phenolic acids found in champagne could affect spatial memory. In a study they conducted with rats and maze paths, they found that the rats which had Champagne showed an improvement in memory and were able to find the correct path repeatedly compared to rats who did not have Champagne.
Study researcher Dr Jeremy Spencer says: “The research is exciting because it illustrates for the first time that moderate consumption of Champagne has the potential to influence cognitive functioning such as memory.” Wooh, frikken’ woooh! Just take note of that moderation part. Having too many bottles in one setting will most certainly mess with memory and cause some other negative side effects.
READ MORE: 5 Best Alcohols To Drink If You’re Trying To Lose Weight And Stay Healthy
We all know about red wine’s antioxidants, but did you know that bubbly has them too? Research has found that the sparkling wine contains high levels of polyphenols – antioxidants found in red grapes, but less intensely in white – that can lower blood pressure and prevent heart problems.
As a side note, bubbly contains fewer kilojoules per serving than wine. Want to keep your sugar load in check? Go for a Brut Zero, which has no added sugar and is bone dry, but super-refreshing.
We Say…
At WH we’re all about leading a balanced life and know that as much as our yoga tights love a sweaty Bikram sesh, they also beg for a couch and a tipple. Here are some of our fave bubblies worth celebrating with this summer.
1/ Bring Out The Big Guns
Some real French Champagne is totally worth the spoil every now and then and we luuuurve a bit of Veuve. It’s a classic combo of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, making it a complex, rich and sophisticated bubbly with notes of vanilla and brioche. Sip and savour. Sharing optional. R728
2/ Celebration Station
The bottle alone will make it a birthday showstopper! Crafted in a true French style, this bubbly is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with lively bubbles and notes of almond and freshly baked bread. Think racy acidity with a finish dryer than your grandpa’s sense of humour. R429
READ MORE: 10 Low-Kilojoule Cocktails Worth Sipping On This Summer
3/ Saturday Starter
Steenberg Brut 1682 Chardonnay
Yummmmm… Fresh and zippy with notes of Granny Smith and lemon biscuits, a few sips of this will definitely boost your mood and get you feeling as tall as the stem you’re drinking from. It’s a real all-occasions bubbly and pairs well with food too. Think creamy and fresh, so even the Chard naysayers will love it. R213
4/ Swap Dessert For This
House Of Krone Rosé Cuvée Brut 2017
Skip that malva and rather have a glass of pink bubbly instead. Its effervescent bouquet of red berries and biscuits will more than make up for that heavy bowl of pudding. Or, screw it, and have dessert with it. It’s a perfect match. And we know you’ve earned it. R139
5/ Better With Brunch
A lighter style MCC, the starlight has 9.62 percent alcohol compared to most sparkling wines, which sit around 12 percent, making it the perfect brunch bubbly. Think fresh citrus flavours with an off-dry elegant finish. It’ll pair excellently with a smoked salmon and eggs Benedict! R120
Order Now
As we’re busy gals-on-the-go, we also love our online shopping, so head over to CyberCellar.com where you can just add the above to cart. It’s a pleasure. *Prices according to CyberCellar.com.
