By Lori Budd of Exploring the Wine Glass
Resveratrol: The Little Compound with a Big Reputation
You’ve probably heard the name resveratrol tossed around in conversations about wine. I know, it’s not the easiest word to pronounce. It sounds very scientific (because it is), but the concept behind it is surprisingly easy to understand. Think of resveratrol as nature’s 1st Assistant Director of a movie. It’s
quietly working behind the scenes while we enjoy the good stuff making sure that everything runs smoothly.
So what exactly is resveratrol, where does it come from, and why does wine always get invited into the conversation? Let’s break it down and I promise no lab coat required.
What Is Resveratrol, Really?
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound found in some plants. More specifically, it’s a polyphenol, (yep, another big word) which is a category of plant compounds known for their protective properties. Plants produce resveratrol as a kind of defense mechanism. Think of it as their built-in shield against
stress, disease, and environmental threats. (The oil on poison ivy that gives you all those itchy blisters is a polyphenol.) In the simplest terms, resveratrol helps plants protect themselves. Think of it like a mother sharing immunity with her baby: protective antibodies help fight infections. When we eat or drink these plants, we get a little of that same benefit.
While scientists continue to study exactly how resveratrol works in the human body, it’s often discussed for its potential antioxidant (sorry, another science-y term) properties. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals which are unstable molecules that can damage cells over time. That’s the “good-for-you” connection most people hear about, without forcing you to dive into a molecular biology lesson.
Foods That Contain Resveratrol
Wine may get the spotlight, but it’s far from the only place resveratrol shows up. You can find it in a handful of everyday foods, especially ones that grow with their skins exposed to sunlight.
Some notable sources include:
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Peanuts
- Dark chocolate
While you can enjoy resveratrol in everyday foods, it’s red wine that often steals the spotlight. White wine also has resveratrol in them, but at significantly lower levels. That said, grapes and in particular, their skins are where resveratrol really shines. This is why the conversation often circles back to red wine.
Wine Takes a Bow
Resveratrol lives primarily in grape skins. When making red wine, the juice ferments on the skins, allowing resveratrol and other phenolic compounds to be extracted into the wine; along with color and structure. White wines, on the other hand, are typically fermented without extended skin contact, generally leading to lower levels.
Certain grape varieties tend to contain higher levels of resveratrol, especially those with thicker skins. Grapes like Petite Sirah, Tannat, and Malbec often get a nod here. Additionally, cooler and humid climates encourage the grape to produce more of its natural defenses.
Meet Resveratrol: The Molecule Behind the Magic
Alright, we can’t talk about a compound and not get a little geeky. Resveratrol has a recognizable molecular structure, often shown as a simple line-and-ring diagram made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Imagine the compound itself nested microscopically in the skin of a grape, quietly protecting the grapes as they grow and ripen. Then the fruit is picked and fermentation occurs turning
the juice into wine. Some of these molecules make it into the bottle, carrying with them a story of protection, resilience, and natural chemistry.
The Takeaway: Context Matters
Keep in mind that resveratrol isn’t a miracle cure, and wine isn’t a prescription. It’s important to understand what’s in your glass and how it affects your body. Plus deepening your appreciation of wine is always fun. Wine has always lived at the intersection of agriculture, culture, and chemistry, and resveratrol is just one small part of that bigger picture. Enjoying wine for its flavors, its history, and the people you share it with will always matter more than chasing a compound. But knowing that grapes bring along some fascinating science for the ride? That’s just a bonus. (at least for me!)
So whether you’re swirling, sipping, or sharing a glass with friends, resveratrol is just one of the many reasons to appreciate what’s in your glass. And honestly, sometimes it’s just about enjoying the moment.
About Lori Budd
With a passion for wine that bubbles like the finest Champagne, Lori Budd is a wine educator who loves bringing the joys of vino to others. A certified Spanish Wine Scholar and WSET Level 2 Award holder, Lori has mastered the nuances of wines from Albariño through Zinfandel. As a champagne specialist, she can sabrage a bottle open with flair while explaining what makes the region unique. Lori founded Cabernet Franc Day to spotlight this oft-overlooked Bordeaux variety. Based in Paso Robles wine country, she is dedicated to promoting the extraordinary region. When Lori pours, good times are sure to flow; she promises to never tell you what to drink, but she’ll always share what’s in her glass. Follow along her journey through her award winning blog and nationally ranked podcast; Exploring the Wine Glass.
