You may have seen the term “Contains Sulfites” on a wine label and wondered what that meant. In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about sulfites in wine.
What are Sulfites?
Sulfites are a naturally occurring compound that is present in all wines. In fact, sulfites are present in many foods and beverages including dried fruits, processed meats, and some types of beer. Sulfites are also used as a preservative in some foods.
Sulfites do not naturally occur in grapes, but they are produced during the fermentation process. Sulfites can also be added to wine as a preservative. Wines that contain added sulfites must state this on the label.
Health Effects of Sulfites
There is a misconception that sulfites can cause headaches or other adverse health effects. However, this is not the case. In fact, most people who claim to be sensitive to sulfites can actually drink wines with added sulfites without any problem.
Only a small percentage of people (less than 1%) are truly allergic to sulfites and may experience difficulty breathing or other severe reactions if they consume foods or beverages that contain them. If you think you may be allergic to sulfites, please consult a physician before consuming any wine.
Sulfites are a naturally occurring compound found in all wines. Although some people claim to be sensitive to sulfites, this is rare (affecting less than 1% of the population). If you think you may be allergic to sulfites, please consult a physician before consuming any wine. Cheers!