Kosher, Clean, and Crisp: The Low-Sulfite Wine Revolution

If you have ever stopped to read the label of your favorite bottle of wine and seen the word “sulfites” and thought to yourself, What’s that and what does it do, we have got some answers for you. Sulfites have been accused of being the cause of many side effects of indulging in wine, from headaches to hangovers; yet most people don’t know the first thing about them. Recently, sulfite-free and low-sulfite wines have seen an increase in popularity, especially in the kosher world. Let’s break down what sulfites do and what they don’t.

What Are Sulfites?

Sulfites form naturally as part of the wine’s fermentation process, when the yeast produces sulfur dioxide (SO2) while converting the sugars inside the grape into alcohol. In other words, every wine has some sulfites, even if only trace amounts. Sulfites act as a natural preservative, ensuring that when the wine hits your table, it will be as fresh as possible.

Why Are Sulfites Added to Wine?

As we just mentioned, sulfites are a preservative, and for winemakers, sulfites are the perfect insurance policy. Aside from preserving freshness, sulfites are added to prevent unwanted bacterial growth, oxidation, or wild yeast from spoiling the wine. Without having the proper amount of sulfites, wine can very quickly become vinegar.

Does Organic Wine Contain Sulfites?

This is a tricky one. Depending on where you live, the legal relationship varies between organic wine and sulfites. For example, in the United States, any wine deemed organic will have no added sulfites, only the ones that are created as part of the natural fermentation process. In Europe, however, organic wines can have a small amount of added sulfites, but much less than your typical bottle of wine. In short, organic wines will still have sulfites, but far less than a non-organic bottle.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Compared to other bottles of wine, low-sulfite wines will have a fresher and more vibrant flavor profile compared to conventional bottles of wine. Without the added sulfites, the natural flavors will shine, giving the wine a juicier taste. They can also be earthier in taste, reflecting the uniqueness of the vineyard and terroir in which the grapes were grown. In addition, because these wines do not have the added sulfites, their flavors can change quickly, giving you an exciting and unpredictable experience.

Are Sulfites Bad For You?

For most people, the amount of sulfites found in wine poses no health risk. In addition, if someone is having a “wine headache,” it has nothing to do with the sulfites in the wine, but more to do with other properties of the wine. Things like the histamines, tannins, dehydration, or simply the alcohol will be the leading causes of a “wine headache.”

Low-sulfite wines are a great choice if you want the most natural-tasting wine. From fruit-forward reds to elegant blends, there is a low-sulfite wine for everyone. No added sulfites means that you are connecting more with the wine, the terroir, the vineyard, and even the winemaker; tasting clean, natural flavors. Explore our selection of kosher, organic, and low-sulfite wines today.