I again asked recently why the labels of bottles of wine , there are the famous words " Contains Sulfites "or" Contains SO2 ".
As we are not all chemistry graduate, it is true that the lack of information and explanation on this statement, fueling some fantasies that should be seriously curb.
This reference is a good example of measures taken by the competent authorities to prevent the public from potential danger, while the same general public is unaware of the meaning entirely. Hence some confusion and in some quick shortcuts. Sulfites, or SO2, or even her little scientific name, sulfur dioxide, are substances commonly used in the vineyard and cellar. And that, for centuries, in other forms of course today. This is the miracle of the winemaker as it protects the grapes from the oxidation , blocks the fermentation of grapes, and stabilizes the wine .
It is used at different stages of the development of a wine .
Since November 25, 2005, a European directive mandates the words " contains sulfites "or" E220 "on the label of wine , the same side as the particulars other than are the name of wine , alcoholic strength, the volume The bottler, bottling location, lot number and the message of prevention for pregnant women. This sulphites if the rate is greater than 10 mg per liter.
This is simply because the sulfite is, for some, an allergen, they must protect themselves, even in very small doses. This does not mean that the wine is not good, or it is full of unnatural substances or he will give a headache.
By cons, this is the real excess use of sulphites which causes a taste of cheap wine and a big headache the next day. But it is good for doses above 10 mg / l. At worst, it can be up to 160 mg / l for red wines and 210 mg / l for white wines. There's the margin, you see!
Clearly, these words, for most consumers, is useless, since it does not indicate the dose contained in sulfite . It is only for those who are allergic and which, anyway, do not drink wine because even a wine without the addition of SO2 naturally contains a few milligrams.
Get this fun, then look for winemakers who use sparingly SO2. There are more and more, including proponents of biodynamic and natural wines . This is at least a sign that they respect the most grapes and the harvest and they have mastered their cellar.
And do not forget, the sulfite , it is not for the wine ! Besides, you can find it in foods such as cereals, cornmeal, muesli, the
meats, hot dogs, sausages, sauerkraut, noodles, rice, spices, tea, jam, marmalade, soft drinks, trail mix ... etc. ...
Is That a wine too sulfite gives a feeling of Bouce pasty?