The French Paradox is the enigma surrounding the notoriously high-calorie, high-fat diets, smoking habits of the French and a relatively miniscule rate of heart attacks amongst them. And the key to the mystery: a moderate but daily dose of red wine.
France is home to an astounding variety of red wines. The flavor differences arise from the soil and climatic conditions as well as winemaking conventions. Thus the Bordeaux variety is somewhat bitter while the Burgundy makes are fruity.
Red wine is also believed to guard against weight gain.
Wine is popular as a food additive and features right from the appetizer to dessert.