I notice alot of interest in Madiran and SW France wines out there. I even write about them from time to time. Researchers claim they are good for the heart, and correspond to regions with good male longevity. Darby’s comment on my Pellehaut article even suggests Uruguay as a good source of Tannat rich wine, with its magic artery friendly ingredient, procyanidins. Most interesting and no doubt all true. But let’s be wary of over-marketing or jumping to conclusions: first, life expectancy is high in other parts of France without the Tannat, which suggests something else at play, eg general diet, moderation, and other good wines; second, trade figures show the Japanese prefer Burgundy (even at times when the Yen was low they raised their orders!) and have low heart disease. One Madiran convert even suggests quitting bland Burgundies. Absurd, really, for though I agree, there are bland Burgundies, there are also far more excellent Burgundies for the reasonable prices, eg 10-20 euros from the Beaune region or Côte Chalonnaise, and stupendous First Growths (Premier Cru) for just over 20; third, while a great drink, good Madirans are to good Burgundies what a fun Renault Clio is to a Renault Espace; and finally, not sure about Madirans, but compared to Bordeaux, Burgundies I am convinced are an aphrodisiac, which is also probably good for the heart! Maybe a good idea is to mix them all. Santé.
