Red wine has been hailed as heart healthy and is reported to be rich in antioxidants like resveratrol. Resveratrol has received attention in the recent past for its potential ability to reduce inflammation, decrease bad cholesterol, as well as other health benefits. Of the many wines tested, Merlot seems to be one of the healthiest choice and there are several reasons why:

Health benefits of Merlot Wine:

• Rich in antioxidants: Grapes used to make Merlot wine are rich in the antioxidant resveratrol, a polyphenol that protects cells from infection and free radical damage. In 2003, the Drugs under Experimental and Clinical Research revealed that red Merlot wine, compared to ten varieties of wine, had the highest content of trans-piceid, a resveratrol derivative.
  
• Protects from degenerative diseases:  Professor Susan Ebeler of UC-Davis illustrated that components in red wine, especially in Merlot, have the ability to prevent degenerative disease.
  
• Prevents LDL cholesterol:  Phenolics found in red wine can prevent formation of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, which is one of the causes of atherosclerosis. The highest phenol levels were found in non-organic Merlot wine. Research has shown a 30% higher LDL inhibition capacity in red wine compared to white wine.
  
• Good for the heart:  The American Heart Association states that Merlot wine has the ability to reduce blood clotting because it increases HDL levels (good cholesterol). Research has indicated that the resveratrol antioxidant can also prevent heart attacks or strokes.
  
• Merlot for the gut:  Merlot wine improves the bacterial lining in the large intestine, which enhances health benefits. A publication in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that red wine is rich in probiotics, which increases the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotics also reduce cholesterol, boost immunity, and prevent cancer and other systemic conditions.
  

Merlot wine has many health benefits, but it should be enjoyed in moderation. The American Heart Association suggests women drink 4oz of wine; men, 8oz.

References:

Dugo, G., Salvo, F., Dugo, P., La Torre, G.L., & Mondello, L. (2003). Antioxidants in Sicilian wines: analytic and compositive aspects. Drugs Exp Clin Res, 29(5-6), pp. 189-202. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15134374

Chua, P.S. Red Wine and Health. Retrieved from http://www.cebudoctorsuniversity.edu/2013/colleges/medicine/hospital/cardio/chua213.html

Antioxidant Potential of Some Organic and Non-organic Wines. Retrieved from http://www.organicag.org/antioxidant-potential-some-organic-and-non%E2%80%93organic-wines

Skerrett, P.J. (2012 Feb 3). Resveratrol. Retrieved from http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/resveratrol-the-hype-continues-201202034189

O’Connor, A. (2012 May 14). Really? Red Wine Is Good for the Stomach. Retrieved from http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/14/really-red-wine-is-good-for-the-stomach/?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20120515

Cohen, H. (2012 May 22). Red Wine Helps the Gut. Retrieved from http://jonbarron.org/article/red-wine-helps-gut#.VXWtcFI72fG

(2015 Jan 12). Alcohol and Heart Health. Retrieved from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Alcohol-and-Heart-Disease_UCM_305173_Article.jsp