Wine Box: Shattering myths

The world of alcohol is riddled with misunderstandings. Whatever you may have been told, there's no such thing as a hangover cure.

Mixing drinks doesn't make your hangover worse, it's the amount you've drunk that counts. Lately I've been told that unfiltered wheat beer is good for the skin, champagne aids depression, Muscadet is good for cellulite, and small amounts of whisky are cardio-protective.

Here are a few wines that might have hidden benefits:

Manso de Velasco, Torres 1996 (Young's Wine Direct, 020 8875 7007, £15.50). Research at Glasgow University has pinpointed Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon as the healthiest of wines because it has higher levels of flavonols than other reds. Great with a steak.

Charles Heidsieck Mis en Cave 1995 (Sainsbury's, £23.49). The beauty of any decent champagne is that it can (and should) be drunk at any time of day. Full, rich and with stacks of vanilla finesse, this is great any-time bubbly for those with fat wallets.

Honey Tree Gew?rztraminer Riesling 2000 (M&S, £5.99). This Southeastern Australian wine has an easy-drinking ap?ritif style that's also good with spicy dishes or fresh fruit and desserts. Aromatic, flavoursome, only 10.5 per cent by volume ? so good for health zealots.