What is Sulfite in Wine? Facts & Myths

Enjoying a glass of wine is one of life's special moments. But for some, it leaves them with that annoying headache afterward. Sulfites are often blamed, but is that justified? Time to demystify the sulfites in wine.

The Basics: What Are Sulfites Anyway?

Sulfites are salts containing the sulfite ion, SO32− ( wiki ). Wine is made with yeast, which produces sulfites ( WebMD ). Therefore, all wine contains sulfites. Since about 1800, winemakers have sometimes added extra sulfites (called sulfurization ). They don't do this without reason, though.

What do sulfites do?

Think of sulfites as the silent protectors of your wine. They perform four crucial functions:

1. They prevent oxidation, which allows the wine to retain its fresh taste
   
2. They kill unwanted bacteria that can spoil the wine
   
3. They stabilize the wine so that it can be kept for longer
   
4. They help release flavors from peels and pits

Interestingly, sulfite content varies greatly by wine type:

Red wine vs. white wine

Perhaps surprisingly, red wine generally contains fewer sulfites than white wine. This is because the tannins (which can be increased by increasing contact with wood, pits, and skins) and reservatrol (which proves difficult to increase) in red wine already provide natural protection.

Sweet wines

Sweet wines often have the highest sulfite levels. These sugars make these wines more vulnerable to fermentation, requiring extra protection.

Do sulfites actually give you a headache?

To be honest, and a bit blunt: a headache after drinking wine is rarely caused by sulfites, but mainly by simply drinking alcohol. Alcohol is dehydrating, and dehydration causes headaches. Furthermore, scientific research shows that other factors often play a larger role:

• Histamines in wine
  
• Tannins, especially in red wine
  

But that doesn't mean you can't be affected by sulfites. However, this affects less than 1% of the population. If you think you might be sensitive to sulfites, be careful: do you also react to dried apricots or packaged lettuce? These products often contain more sulfites than wine. In addition, people with asthma also seem to be more sensitive to sulfites.

Sulfite-free alternatives

For those who prefer low-sulfite or sulfite-free wines, the selection is growing. But be warned: these wines are often:

• More expensive
  
• Shorter shelf life
  
• More sensitive to taste variations
  

Understanding Labels

"Contains sulphites" on the label doesn't automatically mean high levels of sulphites have been added. This information is mandatory for wines with levels above 10 mg/l, a level that almost all wines—even natural wines—exceed.

Smart Tips for Wine Drinkers

Want to be more mindful of your sulfites? This approach works:

1. Choose organic wines
   
2. Drink plenty of water while drinking wine
   
3. Start with small amounts of new wines
   
4. Note which wines you like
   

In short

The wine world is evolving. More and more winemakers are experimenting with natural alternatives to adding sulfites. But for now, sulfites remain an essential and partially natural component of quality wine production.

Sulfites in wine aren't harmful, but rather a necessary protective factor. They ensure your glass of wine tastes exactly as the winemaker intended. It's time to shed the stigma surrounding sulfites and focus on responsible wine enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Question 1: Does organic wine contain sulphites?
  Organic wines also contain sulphites, but usually in lower quantities.
  
  
• Question 2: Can I filter sulfites from wine?
  No, sulfites are completely dissolved in the wine and cannot be filtered.
  
  
• Question 3: Why do some wines give me a headache and others don't?
  This usually has to do with other factors like alcohol, histamine, or dehydration. It's possible you're slightly more sensitive to it yourself, but the chances are slim.
  
  
• Question 4: What is the maximum amount of sulfite allowed in wine?
  The EU limits vary from 150mg/l for red wine to 400mg/l for certain sweet wines ( KVNW.nl ).
  
  
• Question 5: Is there really such a thing as sulfite-free wine?
  Completely sulfite-free wine does not exist, because sulfites also form naturally during fermentation.