What are sulphites in wine? The facts behind “contains sulphites”

Look at almost any wine label and you’ll see the words “contains sulphites”. It sounds slightly alarming, but sulphites have been used in winemaking for centuries and occur naturally in wine. Here’s what they are, why they’re there and what they mean for you.

What are sulphites?

Sulphites are compounds based on sulphur dioxide (SO2). They’re used widely in food and drink as a preservative, and they’re found in dried fruit, processed meats, pickles, fruit juices and many other foods.

In wine, sulphites do two important jobs:

1. Protect against oxidation, keeping wine fresh and stopping it turning brown and flat.
2. Stop unwanted bacteria and yeasts, preventing the wine from spoiling or turning to vinegar.

Sulphites occur naturally

Even if a winemaker adds none at all, yeast produces small amounts of sulphites during fermentation. That means almost every wine contains some sulphites, which is why “sulphite-free” wine is extremely rare.

Why the label says “contains sulphites”

In the UK and EU, any wine with more than 10mg per litre of sulphites must say “contains sulphites” on the label. This is to protect the small number of people who are sensitive to them. Since almost all wine is over that level, almost all wine carries the warning.

How much sulphite is in wine?

There are legal maximum limits for wine, which are higher for whites and sweet wines than for reds. In general:

• Red wines usually contain the least, because tannins act as a natural preservative.
• Dry whites and rosés contain a little more.
• Sweet wines contain the most, to stop the sugar re-fermenting.

To put it in perspective, many dried fruits, such as dried apricots, can contain far more sulphites per gram than a glass of wine.

Do sulphites cause headaches?

This is the big question. For most people, sulphites are unlikely to be the main cause of a wine headache. Other likely culprits include alcohol itself, dehydration, histamines (more common in red wine) and simply drinking a bit too much.

A small number of people, particularly some people with asthma, are genuinely sensitive to sulphites. If you think you react to them, it’s worth speaking to your GP or a pharmacist.

Low-sulphite, organic and “no added sulphites” wines

If you’d like to cut down, there are a few options:

• Organic wines have lower legal limits for added sulphites than conventional wines. Try Canti Organic Prosecco, Terra Organica Sauvignon Blanc or Quinde Organic Malbec.
• Biodynamic and natural wines often use very little added sulphite.
• “No added sulphites” wines contain only the sulphites produced naturally during fermentation. Château Marquis d’Albret Cabernet Sauvignon is one example.

Wines with little or no added sulphite are best drunk young, stored somewhere cool, and finished within a day or two of opening.

Tips for avoiding wine headaches

• Drink a glass of water with every glass of wine.
• Eat while you drink.
• Choose lower-alcohol wines, around 11–12.5%.
• Stick to sensible amounts. The UK Chief Medical Officers advise not regularly drinking more than 14 units a week.

FAQs

Is there wine without sulphites?

Truly sulphite-free wine is almost impossible, as yeast makes some during fermentation. “No added sulphites” wines contain only these natural sulphites.

Do red wines have more sulphites than white?

No. Red wines usually have fewer added sulphites than whites, as their tannins help protect them.

Are organic wines lower in sulphites?

Organic wines have lower legal limits for added sulphites, so they often contain less.

For more on drinking sensibly, visit drinkaware.co.uk. You might also enjoy our guide to tannins in wine.