The Traditional Winemaking Process and Fining
At its core, wine is fermented grape juice. However, the path from grape to glass is more complex than many realize. After fermentation, wine is often cloudy due to naturally occurring particles like yeast, proteins, tannins, and other organic matter. While perfectly harmless to consume, most consumers prefer a crystal-clear, bright wine, a standard that has driven winemakers to use fining agents for centuries.
Fining is the process of adding a substance to the wine to cause these suspended particles to bind together and settle out. The fining agent, along with the unwanted solids, is then removed through filtration before the wine is bottled. It is during this fining stage that animal-derived products are traditionally used, making the final product non-vegan. Though the agents themselves are largely filtered out, tiny traces can be absorbed into the wine, which is a key reason for its exclusion from a vegan diet.
Common Non-Vegan Fining Agents
Several animal-derived products have been used traditionally as fining agents in winemaking. While some, like ox blood, are no longer in use, many others are still common today.
Gelatin
Derived from boiling animal parts, including bones and hides, gelatin is used to reduce astringency and clarify both red and white wines. Its use makes the wine unsuitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Isinglass
One of the most surprising animal products, isinglass comes from the swim bladders of fish, typically sturgeon. It is particularly effective at clarifying white and rosé wines by binding to yeast cells and solids, causing them to precipitate.
Albumin (Egg Whites)
Egg whites are a traditional fining agent, especially for red wines. The protein in egg whites, albumen, is used to soften harsh tannins and clarify the wine. Since eggs come from chickens, this process is not vegan.
Casein (Milk Protein)
Casein is a protein found in milk that is often used to clarify white wines. It helps to enhance a wine’s brilliance and remove oxidative taint. As a dairy product, its use makes the wine unsuitable for vegans.
Chitosan
Derived from the shells of crustaceans, chitosan is a carbohydrate used to remove excess color and phenols from white wines. Its origin from marine animals makes it non-vegan.
The Rise of Vegan Winemaking
Fortunately for vegan wine lovers, the industry is adapting to modern dietary preferences. A growing number of winemakers are now adopting either vegan-friendly fining alternatives or eliminating the fining process altogether, a method called 'unfined' or 'unfiltered'.
Vegan Fining Alternatives
Plant-based and mineral-based agents can achieve the same clarifying effect without using animal products. These include:
- Bentonite Clay: A type of purified clay that is highly effective at removing proteins and improving clarity, especially in white and rosé wines.
- Activated Charcoal: A form of carbon that can remove unwanted colors and off-odors from wine.
- Pea Protein: Plant-derived proteins offer an excellent alternative to animal-based fining agents for clarification.
- Vegetable Plaques: Another plant-based option used in the fining process.
Unfined and Unfiltered Wines
For those who prefer a more natural product, many winemakers are skipping the fining step entirely. They allow the wine to clarify itself naturally over time, and the resulting wine is often labeled as 'unfined' or 'unfiltered'. While these wines may have a slight haze or sediment, they are a strong indicator of vegan-friendly production.
Comparison: Non-Vegan vs. Vegan Winemaking
| Feature | Traditional (Non-Vegan) Winemaking | Modern (Vegan) Winemaking |
|---|---|---|
| Clarification Process | Uses animal-derived fining agents to speed clarification and remove haze. | Uses vegan-friendly fining agents (e.g., bentonite, pea protein) or allows natural settling. |
| Common Fining Agents | Isinglass (fish bladder), gelatin (animal bones), casein (milk protein), albumin (egg whites). | Bentonite clay, activated charcoal, plant protein, vegetable plaques. |
| Resulting Clarity | Typically results in a perfectly clear, bright wine. | Can be crystal clear or have a slight, harmless haze if left unfiltered. |
| Labeling | Fining agents are considered 'processing aids' and not typically listed, making it hard to identify. | Increasingly features clear 'vegan' certification logos or 'unfined/unfiltered' statements. |
| Ethical Implications | Involves the use of animal byproducts in the production process, making it unsuitable for vegans. | Avoids all animal exploitation in the clarification process, aligning with vegan ethics. |
| Availability | More widely available historically, but vegan options are rapidly increasing in availability. | Growing rapidly in availability as consumer demand increases. |
How to Ensure Your Wine is Vegan
Finding vegan wine can be tricky, as labeling is not standardized globally. Here are some reliable methods:
- Look for Certification Logos: The most reliable method is to check for a certified vegan logo on the bottle, such as the Vegan Society Trademark or the European Vegetarian Union's V-Label.
- Check for 'Unfined' or 'Unfiltered': This is a strong indicator that no fining agents were used.
- Consult Online Databases: Websites like Barnivore.com have extensive databases listing vegan beers, wines, and spirits based on information from producers.
- Check the Winery's Website: Many wineries, especially smaller or more ethically-minded producers, will specify their vegan credentials on their website.
- Don't Rely on 'Organic': An 'organic' label does not guarantee a wine is vegan. Organic farming practices focus on vineyard management, not necessarily winemaking agents.
Conclusion
While it might be surprising to learn that not all wines are vegan, understanding the traditional fining process reveals why. The use of animal-derived products like isinglass, gelatin, casein, and egg whites to clarify wine has been a long-standing practice. However, the good news is that a growing number of winemakers are adopting vegan alternatives or foregoing the fining process altogether to meet the rising demand for plant-based options. By looking for clear vegan certification, unfined labels, or checking reliable online resources, vegans can confidently enjoy a glass of wine that aligns with their dietary and ethical choices.
For additional information on vegan wines, a comprehensive resource can be found at Barnivore.
