Sulphite-free wine: everything you need to know

What Are Sulfites?

Before addressing the relationship between natural wine and sulfites, it is useful to understand what they are. Sulfites are additives used as preservatives due to their stabilizing, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. In wine, as well as in other foods, they are found in the form of Potassium Bisulfite, Sodium Bisulfite, or Sulfur Dioxide.

Natural Wine and Added Sulfites

When discussing sulfites, it is important to know that they can be harmful to human health. Even small amounts can cause significant discomfort, as we will explore later.

However, it is essential to clarify one fundamental aspect: a completely sulfite-free wine does not exist. Even natural wine contains sulfites, but the difference lies in their origin:

• In natural wines, sulfites are spontaneously produced during fermentation.
• In conventional wines, sulfites are often added in large quantities.

Organic Regulations on Sulfite Distribution in Wine

European regulations control the presence of sulfites in organic wine through Regulation 848/2018/EU, which establishes maximum limits:

• 100 mg/l for red wines
• 150 mg/l for white and rosé wines

For Apewineboxes, these values are still too high. The goal is to lower these limits, aiming for less than half of the currently allowed amounts.

Free and Total Sulfur Dioxide in Natural Wine

Sulfites are present in natural wine because they are naturally produced during alcoholic fermentation, when yeasts transform sugars into alcohol, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. This component, called free sulfur dioxide, is considered “positive” because it naturally protects the wine.

If the total sulfur dioxide (which includes any added sulfites) is very close to the free sulfur dioxide, it means that no artificial sulfites have been added to the wine.

Natural Wine vs. Industrial Wine

In the world of industrial wine, quantity often takes precedence over quality. To ensure preservation, large amounts of sulfur dioxide (often kilograms per 5000 liters) are added during fermentation or before bottling. These mass-produced wines undergo strict controls on yeasts, temperatures, and antioxidants, sacrificing natural qualities.

In contrast, natural wine only contains minimal amounts of added sulfites, if any. For example, 3-5 grams per 2000 liters might be added to ensure preservation during long transport. This minimal addition, while present, is acceptable and does not compromise the essence of natural wine.

Which Wine Has No Sulfites?

A wine completely free of sulfites does not exist, as they are naturally formed during fermentation. However, wines without added sulfites exist, containing only those naturally produced during fermentation.

For those particularly sensitive to sulfites, it is advisable to choose natural or organic wines with low total sulfur dioxide, often indicated on the label.

How to Remove Sulfites from Wine?

Unfortunately, once present, sulfites cannot be completely removed. Some home methods, such as letting the wine “breathe” by decanting it, may slightly reduce their perception, but they do not eliminate the chemical substance.

For those who want to avoid added sulfites, the best choice remains certified natural or organic wines.

What Symptoms Can Sulfites Cause?

Sulfites can cause various health issues, especially in sensitive or intolerant individuals. The most common symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Skin irritations
• Respiratory problems, particularly severe in asthmatic individuals

For this reason, it is important to monitor the intake of sulfites, especially for those with known allergies or sensitivities.

How to Know if a Wine Contains Sulfites?

In Europe, regulations require producers to indicate on the label if the sulfite content exceeds 10 mg/l. Bottles typically carry the phrase “Contains Sulfites,” but the exact amount is rarely specified.

To obtain more information, you can:

• Check the wine’s technical data sheet.
• Rely on transparent producers, who often disclose both total and free sulfur dioxide values.

Final Thoughts

A completely sulfite-free natural wine does not exist, but we can choose wines without added sulfites or with minimal additions, which respect quality and the environment.

Drinking natural wine does not mean consuming a “healthy” product—it is still an alcoholic beverage—but it is certainly less harmful than industrial wines, thanks to the absence of chemical additives and a sustainable approach to production.