Tag: Wine additives

Invented by accident in the 1970s, many are curious about the key ingredients in White Zinfandel wine. The primary ingredient is not white grapes at all, but a specific type of red grape known as Zinfandel, with its iconic blush color achieved through a unique winemaking process.

Over 86% of red wine is water, but it is the remaining components that define its complexity, character, and flavor profile. A seemingly simple drink, red wine is a complex mixture of primary ingredients and natural compounds that evolve during the winemaking process.

While around 75% of people who report feeling ill from wine are reacting specifically to histamines, many don't know that red wine can contain up to 200% more of this compound than white wine. So what wine doesn't make you sick? The answer lies in understanding the culprits like histamines, sulfites, and other factors, and choosing your bottle wisely.

It's a common misconception that some wines are completely free of sulfites, but all wine naturally contains sulfites as a byproduct of fermentation. Like other wine types, rosé wine contains these compounds, though the amount can vary greatly. The key difference often lies in whether additional sulfites have been added during the winemaking process.

A common misconception suggests that some wines are completely sulfite-free, but that's not true. All wines, including Pinot Noir, contain sulfites as a natural byproduct of the fermentation process. This article clarifies why sulfites are in wine and what levels you can expect in a bottle of Pinot Noir.

According to a 2023 study published in *Scientific Reports*, a plant compound in red grapes called quercetin may interfere with how the body metabolizes alcohol, leading to headaches. While many blame sulfites, the science points to more complex culprits behind wine-induced discomfort.

Over 60 additives are legally permitted in conventional winemaking, a fact that surprises many consumers. Understanding which wine has less chemicals requires looking beyond standard labels to explore natural, organic, and biodynamic options, where minimal intervention is the core philosophy.

According to the FDA, any wine with 10 or more parts per million of sulfites must carry a 'Contains Sulfites' label. The common belief is that you can find a wine that has no preservatives, but the reality is more nuanced, as all wine contains naturally occurring sulfites.

While many people worry about chemicals in their food, studies show that vegetables often contain much higher levels of naturally occurring nitrates than wine. The real question is: does white wine have nitrates, and should you be concerned?

Over 60 additives are legally permitted in American winemaking, many of which are commonly used to craft inexpensive bottles of wine. Unlike high-quality vintages that rely on superior grapes and traditional techniques, cheap wine often contains a cocktail of hidden ingredients designed to cut costs and achieve a predictable, market-friendly flavor profile.