Sulfite Free Wine

In nature Sulfate free wine does not exist. It is simply impossible. However, sulfite free wines are becoming popular amongst wine drinkers.

There is a movement in the wine making industry that wants to eliminate wine that contains sulfite. Why? It’s a chemical preservative. But let’s look at what it actually does.

What are Sulfites?

During wine making sulfites are added to prevent bacterial growth and oxidation. In sulfite free wine, no sulfites are added to the wine during the winemaking process, although they are naturally produced in the fermentation process. So, in fact there is no such thing as a sulfite free wine.

Now days winemakers have often overused them to mask odors from the wine or a poor quality crop of grapes. Sulfites have been linked to health side effects including headaches, respiratory problems, rashes, and other allergic reactions. The sulfites which are added cause these allergic reactions, whereas the naturally occurring sulfites usually does not cause these side effects.

The biggest issue about sulfites is the side effect of headaches. While sulfites can cause headaches, naturally occurring tannins released from the skins of the grapes are more likely the cause of headaches. But people are unsure and no conclusive testing has been done to demonstrate the harmful side effects of sulfites. So for now, organic proponents will say that if it is not naturally occurring, it should not be added.

Organic Wine and Sulfites.

Organic wine has no added sulfites, but sulfites are a naturally occurring result of fermentation, coming from the skin of the grapes. So, organic wines have to maintain a level of sulfites less than 100 parts per million (ppm), as opposed to the 350 ppm limit for non-organic wine makers.

If you are worried with added sulfites, you should be aware that European wines have significantly higher sulfites than American wines. Also, white wines need twice the sulfites red wines do.

Taste of Sulfite Free Wines.

Many people prefer the taste of wines which have added sulfites. This is what has stoped organic wines from flying off the shelves.

Although a brown tint developed in sulfite free wine, organic wine lovers are appreciating the rich, true flavor of the wine when no sulfites are added. But, still others will swear that sulfite free wine tastes like battery acid.

Since wine tasting is an individual choice,only you can decide if you like the flavor of truly organic wine with no added sulfites. Many times the good organics never get to the wine shop shelves, but can be found at local restaurants and wineries. Since the nature of sulfite free wine is that it cannot sit for long periods of time without some spoilage, these untainted bouquets may never be for mass consumption.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

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