Red wine and beer: differences, misconceptions and moderation

As wine enthusiasts, we know that the wine versus beer debate has generated a great deal of discussion. Recent studies regularly fuel this discussion, often summed up far too quickly in the media. Travelling the vineyards of the world, what we have mostly seen is how drinking habits have changed, and the very different place these two drinks hold in each culture.

Red wine: what is really in your glass

Red wine, made by fermenting grapes, contains many compounds that come from the skins and seeds. Among them, resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grape skins, has attracted a lot of attention. However, it needs to be put into perspective:

• The effects described come mainly from laboratory or animal studies, often at doses that bear no relation to a glass of wine
• This research does not constitute proof of any health benefit in humans
• In a glass of wine, these compounds always come with alcohol, whose risks, on the other hand, are well established

Red wine also contains flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins. For us, their real interest lies elsewhere: they are what give wine its colour, its structure and its ageing potential. So it is above all a matter of tasting pleasure, not of health.

On our travels, we have seen that in Mediterranean regions, red wine traditionally goes with meals. This way of life was long linked to greater longevity, under the name of the "French paradox". This hypothesis has been widely debated and largely called into question: diet, physical activity and standard of living explain these differences far better than wine itself.

Beer: a different drink, a different culture

Beer, too, has its traditions, its styles and its know-how. It contains some B vitamins and minerals from the cereals but, as with wine, that does not make it a healthy drink: alcohol remains the deciding factor.

A study published in the journal Addiction SSA in June 2024 highlighted differences between wine-drinking countries and those where beer predominates. The researchers found that European countries favouring wine had lower rates of alcohol-related deaths and health harm over the past two decades. However, this is an observation at country level: it mainly reflects different drinking patterns (quantities, frequency, drinking with meals or not) and does not show that wine is less harmful than beer.

This finding is in line with our own observations in the field. In the wine regions we have visited, drinking wine is often part of a ritual, around the table and at mealtimes. But whatever the drink, it is the quantity and the frequency that count.

Comparing the two drinks

To better understand what sets wine and beer apart, here are a few simple points of reference:

These differences are partly explained by the production process and the ingredients used. Wine, made by fermenting grapes, expresses its grape variety and its terroir. Beer, on the other hand, is brewed from cereals, which gives it very different aromas and texture. However, a standard glass of wine and a half-pint of beer contain the same amount of alcohol: neither drink is "lighter" than the other for the body.

Towards sensible, informed drinking

It is important to stress that no amount of alcohol is good for your health. The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. In France, the public health agency Santé publique France sets out guidelines: no more than 10 standard drinks a week, no more than 2 standard drinks a day, and some alcohol-free days each week.

To fully enjoy wine, we recommend that you choose quality wines that faithfully reflect their grape variety and their terroir. Red wines made from grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec are particularly interesting for the diversity of their styles and aromas.

Nevertheless, it pays to stay open to developments in the wine world. New trends are emerging, and some innovative drinks may well win over wine lovers looking for something new.

As sommeliers and explorers of the world's vineyards, we can only recommend a balanced approach. Let us enjoy wine for its flavours, its history and the moments shared around the table, without attributing to it virtues it does not have. That is how we can fully enjoy this age-old nectar.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly.