Gaby
Women often complain about what’s known as the “white wine rage.” There are numerous accounts of ladies transforming into monsters after just a few glasses of Chardonnay. But men are not immune to such transformations either.
Other effects of drinking white wine can include flirtatiousness, heightened emotions, talkativeness, and fatigue. However, it frequently triggers outbursts of anger.
Georgia Foster, a clinical hypnotherapist from Melbourne, Australia, confirms that this issue affects both men and women equally. According to Foster, scientists still don’t understand the cause of “white wine rage.” Why does this seemingly light alcohol so sneakily alter behavior? For a long time, some researchers believed that sulfites, which are used to preserve wine, were to blame. Others pointed to the higher sugar content in white wine, which is greater than in red.
What are the other theories?
Experts note that white wine is easier to drink, and this is sometimes seen as the root of uncontrollable anger.
According to Georgia Foster, because of its drinkability, white wine is stereotypically considered a “feminine” beverage. Consequently, it is women who often bear the brunt of its effects.
Foster believes that part of the problem lies in societal pressure to drink white wine. Many of her patients have reported that they don’t always want to consume alcohol, but societal norms trap them into drinking white wine. An inner voice might say something like, “You’re more interesting after a few glasses of white” or “People think you’re boring if you don’t drink.” Such provocative thoughts can lead to drinking even when one doesn’t want to.
Wine, of course, relaxes and boosts confidence. But at the same time, it can lead to behavior that would be unacceptable when sober.
Easy drinking – quick intoxication
Other reasons why women may suffer more from wine consumption are biological. Women generally have a lower body mass, get drunk faster, and absorb alcohol more easily, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Sobriety coach Kristi Osborn from London admitted that she quit drinking wine after she started feeling exhausted, impatient, and constantly arguing with her husband.
She noted that society is more tolerant of wine than of hard liquor. For instance, you can invite your mom to a cultural event with a glass of white wine, but not with gin.
According to Osborn, women drink white wine to relieve stress. However, it doesn’t always have that effect. Instead, it can impair judgment, slow decision-making, and damage memory.
The effects of alcohol from sparkling white wines are felt much more quickly, as the carbon dioxide in the bubbles aids absorption.
Red wine is not an ideal drink either. Its consumption often leads to fatigue, noted British wine expert Joan Kukis. This may be due to melatonin, which is present in red wine. This is the same hormone that helps with deep sleep. Additionally, red wine typically has a higher alcohol content than white.
The root of the problem – ignorance of moderation
Roger Corder, a professor of experimental therapy at the London School of Medicine, is reluctant to blame sulfites for “white wine rage.” As mentioned earlier, they are used to preserve the drink and neutralize the effects of bacteria and yeast. The issue is that white wine contains fewer natural protective antioxidants than red.
According to Professor Corder, sulfites do not affect the rate at which a person becomes intoxicated or alter their behavior. He also disputes the idea that the high sugar content in white wine could be the cause of explosive anger. Otherwise, people would be getting furious after a glass of orange juice, which contains even more sugar.
The professor suggests that aggression arises when people lose track of how many glasses they’ve had. He believes that all problems stem from this. Therefore, it’s essential to reassess one’s drinking norms, including those for white wine.
