Labels with transparent indications, geopolitical duties, tastes that change even with the advent of dealcoholized wines. And, again: the effects on health, relaunched by the recent warnings of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the operational head of the American Health, Vivek Murthy, and responsible consumption. The relationship between alcohol and wine is “a relationship to be rethought”: this is stated in the report by Vincenzo Gerbi, full professor of Oenology at the Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences of the University of Turin and vice president of the Italian Academy of Vine and Wine.
Why We Drink Wine: A Call for Responsible Consumption
The report “Alcohol and wine, a relationship to be rethought” starts from the recent WHO warning on the implications between wine and public health, launching an appeal for awareness.
“Recent indications from the World Health Organization (WHO) – writes Gerbi – have warned against alcohol consumption: there is no moderate consumption and no quantity is safe for health. This position was supported by the head of operations of the American Health Service, Vivek Murthy, who highlighted a direct correlation between alcohol and at least seven types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. Murthy has called for the introduction of health labels on alcohol bottles, a step that could mark a significant change in public awareness regarding the risks associated with alcohol consumption”.
Contrary to this view, the research continues, there is a segment of the medical world that supports the idea of moderate consumption of wine, considered for centuries a complex drink rich in beneficial plant components. Hippocrates’ famous statement that “wine is a thing wonderfully suited to man” still resonates with those who see wine not just as a drink, but as a fundamental cultural element.
But, Gerbi comments, “wine professionals and enthusiasts now find themselves having to reflect on the ethical and social implications of their actions. It is clear that, while there are people who enjoy a healthy life by consuming wine in moderation, there are also cases of abuse that lead to serious damage to health. The central question therefore becomes: why do we drink wine? Is it for its inebriating effect or for the appreciation of its taste nuances?”.
Alcohol and wine: a necessary reflection and the new challenge of dealcoholized wines
From the analysis of the composition of wine, Gerbi’s report states, it emerges that alcohol represents only a fraction of the total. With 83-84% water and about 13-14% alcohol, the remaining 3% is composed of components such as polyphenols and aromas, which give the wine its unique characteristics. Connoisseurs do not focus on the alcohol content, but rather on the complexity of flavors and aromas that each variety and each territory give to the wine.
Those who know wine suffer when they hear it spoken of as if it were just another alcoholic beverage, drunk absentmindedly, chosen to exploit its alcohol content and obtain a euphoric and disinhibiting effect. Wine is instead the ideal accompaniment to food in a lifestyle typical of Mediterranean populations.
With the emergence of dealcoholized wines, producers are exploring the possibility of offering drinks with reduced or zero alcohol content, while maintaining the beneficial properties of grapes. However, this practice raises questions about the quality and flavor profile of the wines, especially regarding the balance between sweetness, tannicity and acidity.
Alcohol and wine: the key to responsible consumption
The increasing number of cases of alcoholic coma among young people raises concerns about irresponsible alcohol consumption. Nutrition education is crucial to promote greater awareness among young people and their parents. It is essential that messages on the risks associated with alcohol are clear and complete, avoiding excessive simplifications.
Furthermore, starting from the 2024 harvest, it is mandatory to indicate nutritional information and the ingredients used in winemaking on the label. This represents an important step towards transparency, but it is essential that consumers are able to correctly interpret this information and what its added value is.
Should we give up wine?
If alcohol is a dangerous carcinogen, concludes Vincenzo Gerbi’s report, whatever the drink that contains it and regardless of the dose consumed, then the wise and moderate wine drinker will have to consider the alcohol in wine as a possible collateral damage, a danger to be kept in mind, without however inducing him to give up the sensorial pleasure of this fantastic and ancient drink.
In a context in which the debate on alcohol consumption is more heated than ever, the choice to drink wine must be accompanied by critical awareness. If wine is consumed in moderation and appreciated for its intrinsic qualities, it can remain a significant part of gastronomic culture. The challenge for the future will be to educate consumers to make informed choices, while ensuring the sustainability of the wine industry.
