In which year was red wine a hit?

There is no single year when red wine became a "hit" because its popularity has evolved over centuries. Here's why it's hard to pinpoint a specific year:

* Red wine has been consumed for thousands of years: Winemaking dates back to ancient times, and red wine was a significant part of ancient cultures like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

* Popularity fluctuates: The popularity of red wine has waxed and waned throughout history. It's experienced peaks and valleys, influenced by factors like trade routes, wars, and changing tastes.

* Regional variations: Red wine has always been popular in certain regions (like France, Italy, and Spain) while other regions have embraced it later.

However, we can identify some key periods that contributed to the widespread popularity of red wine:

* The Renaissance: This era saw a renewed interest in classical culture, including wine, which fueled the popularity of Italian red wines.

* The 19th century: Improvements in winemaking techniques and transportation made red wine more accessible and affordable.

* The 20th century: Growing awareness of the health benefits of moderate red wine consumption (particularly the antioxidant properties of resveratrol) led to a significant surge in its popularity.

Therefore, it's more accurate to talk about periods of increased popularity for red wine rather than a single year.