The Great Wine Lie: Are Sulfites Really That Bad?

Most consumers blame wine sulfites for their wine-related issues, yet a glass of wine contains nowhere near the sulfite levels found in everyday snacks. Wine bottles boldly declare "contains sulfites," while dried fruits can contain over 600 parts per million of sulfites compared to just 10-80 parts per million in red wine.

The mandatory sulfite labelling masks a surprising fact - winemakers can legally add 52 additives without any disclosure requirements. This seems misleading, mainly when sulfites (or sulphites) naturally occur during the wine's fermentation process. The reality shows only about 1% of people have genuine sulfite sensitivity, which usually connects to asthma.

This detailed piece will reveal the untold story about sulfites on wine labels, shed light on the industry's labelling practices, and explain the genuine contents of your wine glass, including the role of wine sulfites and other additives in wine.

The Great Wine Label Deception

The wine industry's labelling practices show a strange pattern - bottles must declare only sulfites (also spelt sulphites) [1]. This rule creates an illusion of transparency but masks the biggest problem in wine production.

Why only sulfites are listed on labels

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) requires sulfite disclosure because these compounds naturally appear during fermentation [2]. Wines containing more than 10 parts per million (PPM) sulfites need this declaration [2]. This rule overlooks many more additives used in the winemaking process.

The 52 legal additives hiding in your wine

Wine production goes way beyond the reach and influence of sulfites. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) allows over 60 additives in winemaking [3]. Common additions include:

• Mega Purple to boost colour
• Velcorin to control bacterial growthh
• Commercial yeasts for fermentation
• Animal proteins to clarify
• Ammonium phosphate to control fermentation [4]

Understanding the labelling loophole

The wine industry's successful lobby efforts helped avoid detailed ingredient labelling [4]. So, while food products must list all ingredients, wine labels stay mysteriously bare [4]. This exemption continues even though many mass-produced wines use additives that would barely fit on their labels [4].

The contrast becomes clearer when scrutinizing sulfite levels in different products. Red wines usually contain 50 mg/L of sulfites [5], but dried fruits can contain up to 3,500 PPM [2]. On top of that, french fries and frozen potatoes can have up to 1,900 PPM of sulfites [2].

The European Union leads the charge toward greater transparency. Wine producers will have to list all ingredients, including additives, processing aids, and sweetening substances [6]. This regulation marks the most important change in wine labelling in over a century [7].

Only about 1% of people show real sensitivity to sulfites [2]. Red wines contain fewer sulfites because their natural tannins and colour compounds offer protection [8]. Natural wines prove quality production needs minimal intervention, with only 20-50 PPM of sulfites [9].

Understanding Sulfites vs Sulphites in Wine

Let's look at the science behind sulfites - those mysterious compounds you see on every wine label. You should know that these preservatives aren't just wine additives. They're naturally occurring compounds in the fermentation process.

Natural vs added sulfites explained

• The fermentation process creates sulfites naturally in small amounts, ranging from 6 to 40 milligrams per liter (mg/L) [10].
• Winemakers add extra sulfites to protect and preserve their wines, with amounts varying from 50 to 200 mg/L [10].
• Our bodies produce about 1000 milligrams of sulfites daily [11], which puts these wine levels into perspective.

Different spelling conventions worldwide

The terms "sulfites" and "sulphites" on wine labels refer to the same compound - sulfur dioxide (SO2). Regional differences determine the spelling choice. Americans use "sulfites" while the UK and other English-speaking countries prefer "sulphites" [11]. Wine labels can legally use either spelling [12].

Typical sulfite levels in different wine types

Wine styles contain varying amounts of sulfites:

• Dry red wines: 50-75 mg/L [13]
• Dry white wines: Around 100 mg/L [13
• Sweet wines: Higher levels due to sugar content [13]

These levels are much lower than other common foods. To name just one example, dried fruits can contain up to 2000 mg/kg of sulfites [14]. This makes the wine industry's mandatory sulfite labelling seem somewhat misleading.

Natural wines must follow stricter limits, with levels 50mg/L lower than conventional wines [15].

The human body handles these compounds well. Only about 1% of the population shows genuine sensitivity to sulfites [16]. Sensitive individuals usually show respiratory issues rather than the commonly blamed headaches [17].

Debunking Sulfite Myths

Wine headaches have long been blamed on sulfites, but science tells a different story. Research now shows other compounds are the real troublemakers behind those post-wine discomforts.

 

The actual cause of wine headaches

A compound called quercetin plays a huge role in causing headaches. It's found in red wine and affects how our bodies break down alcohol. This leads to a buildup of acetaldehyde - a toxin that causes headaches, flushing, and nausea [18]. Women feel these effects more strongly because their bodies have lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme that breaks down alcohol [18].

Comparing sulfite levels in foods

The truth about sulfites becomes clear when we look at their levels in everyday foods:

• Dried fruits: Up to 2000 mg/L [19]
• French fries and frozen potatoes: 50-100 mg/L [19]
• Fermented drinks (beer, cider): 100-250 mg/L [19]
• Pickles and preserved vegetables: Up to 500 mg/L [19]
• Red wine: Only 50-350 mg/L [19]

Scientific evidence on sulfite sensitivity

The Food and Drug Administration reports that only 1% have real sulfite sensitivity [19]. About 5-10% of people with asthma might react badly to sulfites [20]. These reactions show up as breathing problems rather than headaches [1].

People with true sulfite sensitivity usually notice symptoms within 15 minutes after drinking wine [2]. They might have trouble breathing, skin reactions, or stomach problems [19]. Sulfites in wine rarely cause headaches unless you drink way too much [5].

The wine industry's focus on sulfite labels takes attention away from other headache triggers. Tannins from grape skins and seeds can cause brain inflammation, especially if you get bad headaches quickly [19]. Dehydration, stress, and drinking wine on an empty stomach usually cause more problems than sulfites [18].

These facts help clear up the myth about sulfites causing wine headaches. You can prevent wine-related discomfort by staying hydrated, eating before drinking, and choosing wines with fewer tannins [18].

The Truth About Wine Additives

Most wine drinkers don't know about the complex mix of additives that create their favourite bottle's character. Wine labels mention sulfites, but that's just scratching the surface of modern winemaking.

Common additives used in winemaking

The U.S. government allows over 72 different chemical additions in wine production [4]. Here are some additives winemakers use the most:

• Mega Purple to boost colour and sweetness
• Velcorin (dimethyl dicarbonate) to sterilize
• Isinglass (fish bladder collagen) to clarify
• Commercial yeasts to control fermentation
• Ammonium phosphate to control fermentation
• Gum Arabic to modify texture [4]

Commercial winemakers use these additives to make their products consistent yearly [21]. Of course, this standardization helps with brand recognition, but it often takes away wine's natural character.

Why these additives aren't disclosed

The wine industry's labelling practices show a troubling lack of transparency. Wineries don't have to share their ingredient list [4]. Producers who want to be transparent and list ingredients might face regulatory restrictions [4].

Mass-market wine companies' powerful lobby fights against complete labelling requirements [4]. This makes sense when you learn that some grocery store wines' full list of additives would barely fit on the label [4].

Impact on wine quality and taste

These additives ended up changing both the wine's authenticity and character. Commercial winemakers use additives to hide batch differences or fix low-quality fruit [21]. Additions like Mega Purple can change a wine's colour, body, and sugar content [22].

Natural wine producers work differently. They focus on minimal intervention and use indigenous yeasts. They only add small amounts of sulfur dioxide when bottling [4]. This lets wines tell "a story of the vintage, the place, and the person who made it" [4].

The European Union has made changes toward better transparency. Starting December 2023, wine producers must list all ingredients, including additives and processing aids [23]. This regulation brings a fundamental change in wine labelling practices that helps consumers learn about what's in their glass [23].

Natural Wines and Transparency

People care more about wine ingredients these days, and natural wines have become beacons of transparency in an industry that keeps many secrets. How we make wines has changed fundamentally, affecting production and labelling.

How natural wines differ in additive use

Natural wines take a more straightforward approach to winemaking. These wines contain just fermented grape juice with few or no additives [24]. Winemakers grow grapes organically, harvest them by hand and let them ferment using native yeasts from the vineyard [25].

• Regular wines can have up to 72 different chemical additions [4].
• Natural wines keep things pure. Only 20-50 parts per million (PPM) of sulfites [26] occur naturally during fermentation.

Compare this to regular wines, which pack 150 PPM or more [9].

Reading between the label line

Wine labelling practices are changing now. The European Union brought in new rules from December 2023. These rules say wines must show detailed ingredient information [27]. Wine bottles will soon have QR codes or web addresses that lead to nutritional values and ingredient lists online.

The new rules require information that:

• Stays factual without marketing content
• Shows up in languages where the wine sells
• Gets updated when batches change
• Remains easy to find electronically

Tips for sensitive customers

Label terminology matters if wine additives concern you. Here's what to look for in natural wines:

• "Unfined/unfiltered" suggests minimal intervention
• "Indigenous yeast" indicates natural fermentation
• "No added sulfites" or "contains only naturally occurring sulfites" or "Low sulfites".

The right wine shop makes all the difference. Building relationships with knowledgeable retailers helps you find natural wines that match your priorities [4]. These experts can point you toward winemakers who value transparency and minimal intervention.

Natural winemakers focus on:

• Organic or biodynamic farming practices
• Hand-harvesting of grapes
• Wild yeast fermentation
• Minimal or no filtration
• Limited sulfite use only at bottling [28]

Natural wines come from our desire for authenticity and transparency. These wines tell "a story of the vintage, the place, and the person who made it" [28]. Each bottle tastes unique because it reflects its terroir without hiding behind additives or technology.

Natural alternatives allow wine-sensitive people to enjoy wine in its purest form. Each bottle might taste different because it doesn't have additives to make it uniform. This variation shows wine's true character, just as it was made for centuries before industrial processes took over.

References

[1] - https://www.healthline.com/health/wine-headache [2] - https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-sulfites-in-wine [3] - https://melanieavalon.com/wine-ingredients-labels/ [4] - https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7594577/i-just-found-out-most-wine-is-full-of-chemicals-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ [5] - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67449509 [6] - https://just-drinks.nridigital.com/just_drinks_magazine_nov23/eu_wine_labelling_regulations [7] - https://www.decanter.com/learn/eu-wine-labeling-the-changes-explained-507553/ [8] - https://www.wineinvestment.com/learn/magazine/2019/04/what-ingredients-are-really-in-your-glass-of-wine/ [9] - https://syltbar.com/blogs/wine/sulfite-sensitivity-navigating-wine-choices?srsltid=AfmBOooMfQfM1KWXmtCg-CD-aT9B0b7GeWmGjsw1Jc8geYvkVK7AjuLd [10] - https://www.coravin.co.uk/blogs/community/what-are-sulfites-in-wine-everything-you-need-to-know?srsltid=AfmBOorT1_Tio-GhrHyfi5G6E4iRDuAdnhjCVSDzlz2_BAfvPEk7aMQX [11] - https://www.vintageroots.co.uk/wine-guides/sulphites-in-wine/ [12] - https://www.ttb.gov/labeling-wine/wine-labeling-declaration-of-sulfites [13] - https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/sulfites-in-wine/ [14] - https://www.eufic.org/en/whats-in-food/article//what-are-sulphites-in-wine-and-are-they-bad-for-you/ [15] - https://www.nouslesvigneronsdebuzet.fr/blogs/let-s-talk-wine/which-wines-contain-the-most-sulfites--153.html [16] - https://www.thewinesociety.com/discover/explore/expertise/wine-scientist-caroline-gilby-puts-sulphites-under-the-microscope/ [17] - https://www.thekitchn.com/the-truth-about-sulfites-in-wine-myths-of-red-wine-headaches-100878 [18] - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/headaches-after-drinking-red-wine-flavanols-quercetin [19] - https://www.coravin.co.uk/blogs/community/what-are-sulfites-in-wine-everything-you-need-to-know?srsltid=AfmBOor4Oi5qvnCKZwId8vqijLdGosqL2cAcMX43HO535QlcwG1MdOSa [20] - https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/other-allergy/sulfite-sensitivity [21] - https://drinktinto.com/blogs/wine-wisdom/wine-additives?srsltid=AfmBOopqvmtxEg_dSoGUnuwtdoJ21S8UTjy-UrsdQb1kTPTgqTYUU4VR [22] - https://www.amatteroftaste.com/wine/wine-additives [23] - https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/news/new-rules-wine-labeling-enter-application-2023-12-07_en [24] - https://nattynewbie.com/natural-wine-conventional/ [25] - https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/6/10/18650601/natural-wine-sulfites-organic [26] - https://www.purewines.co.uk/sulphite-free-wines/ [27] - https://www.nsf.org/gb/en/knowledge-library/enhancing-transparency-eu-wine-industry-amendment-wine-labeling [28] - https://wyrd-wine.com/blogs/blog/from-conventional-to-natural-wine?srsltid=AfmBOopz8L5_UfG7ayTLf-fc-p8ABmDIVEED41G1KQoyb2ylJPxC19t5