Controversial topic – sulfites in wine. The dastardly sulfur dioxide used by winemakers. I confess, I’m really torn on this subject. Bottom line, however, is all wine contains sulfites! Miniscule parts per million even in wines claiming no added sulfites (or sulphites) have trace levels. Wine labels in the Unites States and many other countries must state “May Contain Sulfites” even for teeny tiny amounts.
I am excited recent research may help all of my sulfite-loathing friends once again enjoy a glass of wine with me! My passion for drinking wine stems largely from the fact it is a good ole agricultural product. Sulfur Dioxide is basicall a food preservatives or additives. These are frequently used compounds to prevent bacterial growth or extend shelf life of agricultural products.
So what exactly do sulfites in wine impact?
That said, just like any agricultural product, allergies are a natural part of the deal. Someone somewhere may have some kind of reaction to it. Wine headaches, particularly red wine headaches are a real thing. For me, my nemesis is cocoa. Too much and violent migraines and other unpleasant responses plague me for days. Milk chocolate and I can still be friends, but anything above 70% and my ninja defenses kick in with a vengeance! Ok, maybe I do indulge a little nibble now and then! But sulfites, dastardly, treacherous, maddening, vindictive sulfites.
Are sulfites really the bad guy when it comes to wine? Let me start off stating I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL SPECIALIST! I’m simply a wine lover who wants my friends to get their groove back and enjoy a glass with me. This is where I get really excited – recent research is revealing studies (WebMD) which show only 1% of people really are allergic to sulfites. The percentage can double or so for people with asthma. I’ll take it! 1% is way lower than the percent of my friends who feel sulfite has ruined wine for them forever! In fact many foods from dried fruits to canned soups have significantly more sulfite content than a glass or bottle of wine. Now I’m really getting excited!
How to address sulfites in wine
Being an agricultural product and knowing all of the various elements of winemaking does not make sulfites the only suspect to wine-related headaches. Most people identify as the main malady. Resources inform rashes and asthma-like reactions, or a tingling sensation around your mouth and throat are the real symptoms one with a true sulfite allergy will experience (source). There are wine allergens from the grapes themselves we may have to deep dive in future blogs. For now, I’d like to encourage my sulfite-hating friends to join a different kind of TRY event now that January has all but left us in its wake and I had to hang up my Try January hat until next year. My research has led me to the following conclusions:
> Stick with white wine versus red wines. Less contact with skin during the winemaking process means less likelihood of tannins, histamines or skin borne allergens. These can impact your experience than with red wine – check out my post on Txakoli a great new white to try or check out Somm Women Talk Wine Summer Whites episode for great options!
> Look for low alcohol wines. Wines with lower ABVs (11-13%) leave you with less likelihood of an alcohol-related reaction (not necessarily a hang over, but a dull Monday brain). These are great for health conscious drinkers!
> Prioritize natural or organic wines where no to minimal external influences come in contact with the wine. Oenologists following these methods are creating some fabulous wines!
More ways to drink wine and be happy!
> Drink older wines. We women aren’t the only thing getting better with age, older wines have lower levels of sulfites than their younger cousins
> Start slow. Most restaurants or bars will serve you a half glass if you just ask. You can obviously control your pour in your own home. Please note there are glasses which can contain an entire 750ml bottle which is NOT the half glass I’m suggesting! Nice try, however!)
> Never drink on an empty stomach. Regardless if you have sensitivities or not, empty tummies often lead to headaches or hangovers
> Water water water / hydrate hydrate hydrate. Alter wine (or alcoholic beverages) with pure, clean water to keep your body hydrated as dehydration can translate to hangover effects
Here are a few articles for reference should you want to get back in the TRY WINE game with me! I’d love to help however I can!
How Sulfites Became Public Enemy #1
Everything You Know About Sulfites and Wine is Wrong
#naturalwine #refindwine #nomoreallergies #ilovewine #nosulfites #wineisfine #sulfitesinwine
