The aphrodisiac history of Champagne

Is there any question about the aphrodisiac power of Champagne? Surprisingly, it’s the health benefits of Champagne that help lead to its success as an aphrodisiac. (More on that later…) One of the world’s most potent natural aphrodisiacs, it is a symbol of celebration. (It should come as no surprise that this delicious little aphrodisiac was the great temptress Marilyn Monroe’s favorite drink.)

Adding to its allure is Champagne’s image as one of the world’s most sought luxury goods. How better to seduce than to pamper someone with the aphrodisiac of luxury?

Why sparkling wine makes you feel giddy

Thanks to a steady stream of delicate bubbles, Champagne hits the blood stream more quickly than still wine. The same goes, of course for other sparkling wines, including Cava and Prosecco. Research demonstrates that a compound found in carbon dioxide is the culprit. And it causes the blood alcohol level of those who imbibe in bubbly to creep up more quickly than it would from a still wine.

Who can resist a romantic pass when flush with such a delightfully giddy fizz?

TO TRY: Want a simple (and aphrodisiac) Champagne Cocktail recipe?

Can Champagne improve memory?

Additional studies on the effects of sparkling wine show that those tiny bubbles not only tickle the nose and elevate mood but one of the benefits of Champagne is that it may support brain function. And a thinking, creative lover is a good lover!

In a study on Champagne conducted at Reading University, it was found that rats who consumed sparkling wines for six weeks showed a remarkable increase in memory. The leader of this research, Dr. Jeremy Spencer, concluded that it was compounds found in Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes that caused an improvement in both spatial relations and memory.

Although Spencer has yet to repeat the study with human test subjects, he believes that three glasses of bubbly per week could have an impact great enough to delay the onset of dementia and other degenerative brain disorders.

Can Champagne benefit heart health?

But the health benefits of Champagne are not just in its effervescence. If you’ve heard of the French Paradox, then you are familiar with the research into the heart health benefits of red wine. This is due to polyphenols found in the red grapes.

Yet most sparkling wines are blended from a combination of red and white grapes. It is a fact which prompted researchers to investigate the heart healthy benefits of Champagne.

Little information is available as yet as to which styles of Champagne or in what quantity it will benefit cardiac health, yet there is enough evidence to conclude that many Champagnes will offer the same antioxidant benefits are a glass of red wine.

Modern science proves that sparkling wines offer the same antioxidants as red wines. And it should be pointed out that Champagne and sparkling wines will deliver these benefits in an effervescent package that is both lower in calories and alcohol than most red wines.

Want inspiring wine and Champagne recommendations? Visit our Wine of the Week.

The aphrodisiac benefits of Champagne

I’ve saved one of the best benefits of Champagne for last.

According to the late Dr. Max Lake, vintner and dedicated researcher of the natural aphrodisiac effects of aromas, the scents of many Champagnes and sparkling wines, particularly those made in the Blanc de Blancs style, replicate the delicate aromas of female pheromones. Salut!

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Discover the benefits of Champagne