It truly is great to see the back of January! The nights are starting to get a big lighter, the bulbs are starting to show and the thought of warmer days seems ever nearer. January is always interesting coming down from the high that is December and we are really pleased to say we have had a busy little month. We aren’t seeing as many dry Jan people (but we wouldn’t be seeing them anyway) but instead we have had a flurry of ‘Try January’ers in’ looking at new wines, new grapes and… low or no sulphite wines.
Sulphites is an interesting topic and one I thought I would tackle for you today.
What are sulphites and why are they in my wine?
Sulphites are compounds used in winemaking primarily as a preservative. They play a few key roles…
- Preserve freshness. They help preserve oxidation which can cause a wine to lose its flavour, aroma and colour over time. Imagine you cut an apple in half and leave it out, in time it will turn brown and loose that freshness.
- Prevents Spoilage. Sulphites stop the growth of unwanted wild yeasts and bacteria ensuring the wine stays stable.
- Enhancing shelf life. By protecting the wine from spoilage and oxidation it allows the wine to be enjoyed and stored for longer.
For most people sulphites are harmless, but some individuals can be sensitive to them.
Can you have wine with lower or no sulphites?
Many winemakers focus on minimising the use of sulphites whilst still ensuring the wine is stable and enjoyable. As mentioned above as sulphites are used to prevent oxidation it is hard to make wine without sulphites whilst keeping the wine stable. We have tried a few who have managed to do this well by ensuring the wine does not come into contact with oxygen during the wine making phase however in reality these are few and far between. For many they seem fresh at the start but then lose all fruit and balance within just a few months.
Wine to try… Ontanon Natura, contains no sulphites, just emotions!
Where to go to find ‘lower sulphite’ wines/
- Organic Wines – In many instances the wine needs to have a lower level of sulphites to be certified organic.
- Biodynamic or Natural Wines – Emphasis on minimal intervention often leading to lower sulphite levels.
- Varieties – White, sweet and sparkling wines tend to have a higher level of sulphite due to their sensitivity to oxygen. Red wines which often have natural antioxidants like tannins, often require fewer sulphites.
Wines to try… Adobe Cabernet, White Tropez, Circle of Life White
Best tip to find ‘lower sulphite’ wines…
Just ask…! It is that simple.
Generally we find that a smaller family winery who can farm the land, work on sustainability of both their land and their winery are looking to make the best decisions for both the wine and the future of their land. With this mindset they will only spray what they need to spray and no more.
Great wine is make in the vineyard and not the winery!
