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In nature Sulfate free wine does not exist. It is simply impossible. However, sulfite free wines are becoming popular amongst wine consumers. There is a movement in the wine making industry that wants to eliminate wine that contains sulfite. Why? It’s a chemical preservative. But let’s look at what it actually does. What are Sulfites? Sulfites are typically added during winemaking to cease bacterial development and oxidation. In sulfite free wine, no sulfites can be added to the wine during the winemaking process, although they are naturally produced in the fermentation process. So, in fact there is no such thing as a sulfite free wine. These days winemakers have often abused them to mask odors from the wine or a bad quality crop of grapes. Sulfites have been linked to health symptoms including headaches, respiratory problems, rashes, and other allergic reactions. The sulfites which are added cause these allergic reactions, whereas the naturally produced sulfites usually does not cause these side effects. The biggest concern about sulfites is the side effect of headaches. While added sulfites can cause headaches, naturally occurring tannins released from the skins of the grapes are more likely the cause of headaches. But people are unsure and no evidence has been done to illustrate the side effects of sulfites. So now, organic proponents will say that if it is not occurring naturally, it should not be added. Organic Wine and Sulfites. Sulfites have not been added to organic wine, but sulfites are a naturally occurring result of fermentation, coming from the skin of the grapes. So, organic wines must maintain a level of sulfites less than 100 parts per million (ppm), or are compaired to non-organic wine makers. If you are worried with added sulfites, you should be informed that European wines have significantly more sulfites than American wines. Also, white wines need twice the sulfites red wines do. Taste of Sulfite Free Wines. Many people have complained over the years about the taste of wines with no added sulfites. This is why organic wines have not taken off. Although a brown tint developed in sulfite free wine, organic wine lovers are touting the rich, true flavor of the wine when no sulfites are added. But, still others will swear that sulfite free wine tastes like battery acid. Since wine tasting is such a personal choice,only you can decide if you like the flavor of truly organic wine with no added sulfites. Many times the good organics never get to the wine shop shelves, but can be found at local restaurants and wineries. Since the nature of sulfite free wine is that it cannot sit for long periods of time without some spoilage, these untainted bouquets may never be for mass consumption.
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