Sulfite-free wine is gaining more and more popularity in the current market. Therefore, many wine enthusiasts get confused about whether they should replace a bottle of their favorite Merlot with organic sulfite-free wine. Are sulfites in wine that harmful? Should we purchase organic wines instead of our favorite alcoholic drinks? Let’s find out in the article below. But first, opt for the finest red wine in our online shop – don’t give up what you genuinely love!

What are sulfites in wines?

Sulfites, or sulfur dioxide, are common additives to multiple wine variations. They are specific chemical compounds that incorporate the sulfite ion and are found naturally in some food and the human body. Due to their preservative and antioxidant features, sulfites are now widely added to beverages and foods. In addition, these chemical compounds are both natural and added. Natural sulfites occur during the fermentation process in wine production, making it impossible to manufacture wine without sulfites. At the same time, winemakers add sulfites to wine to preserve the hue, flavor, and aroma properties and prolong its shelf life.

In wine manufacturing, sulfites play the role of preservatives that protect beverages from oxidation. Being exposed to excess oxygen, wine is close to becoming a vinegar, with an unpleasant putrefactive flavor. Since it is pretty complicated to extend a wine’s shelf life and maintain its good condition, sulfites are a must. It is worth mentioning that wine production should contain less than ten ppm (parts per million) of sulfites. According to the Food and Drug Administration, winemakers should note the preservatives content on the product label once they add sulfites.

Are sulfites harmful?

Chemical compounds sulfites are entirely safe for most people unless they have an allergy. Around 1% of residents of America suffer from sulfite sensitivity which is associated with a range of symptoms. Typical signs of sulfite allergy include diarrhea, abdomen pain, face swelling, and hives. Apart from that, patients with asthma usually experience sulfite sensitivity. And if you still think that headaches after wine consumption are due to sulfites, you are mistaken. Wine headaches are the average result of excessive alcohol drinking that isn’t associated with sulfite allergy.

The takeaway  

So, should you purchase a bottle of organic sulfite free red wine? Well, as mentioned above, wines can not be utterly sulfite-free due to the natural preservative compounds that occur during fermentation. Multiple winemakers of organic and natural wines might label their production as sulfite-free since their amount is less than ten ppm. It means even organic wines usually contain natural sulfites, but there is no need to worry about it. If you are in the mood for a healthy diet, sulfite-free red wine is the way to go. Remember that such wines stand for shorter shelf life, so they should be consumed straight after opening. You can recognize organic wines for their brown hue, as well.