Sulfites, Sulfates, Wine, Food and You

Sulphites, Sulphates, Sulfites, Sulfates, Surphur Dioxide, it all comes from the same place, Sulphur and it leaves many people with varying issues. With the exception of Ferrous Sulphate (Iron) if it sounds like sulphur it probably is. Some derivative of SULPHUR is almost as common in food as SOY which is most of the time. Dried fruits, grated cheeses, mashed potato flakes and wines. Today I am going to focus on wine. Not all Sulfite/Sulphites are created equally in wine. Sulphites are naturally occurring in the wine making process. If those give you issues then just go on the wagon and give up alcohol for good. The sulphites in wine that typically give people issues are the ones ADDED as a preservative. The naturally occurring and the suplhites that are added bond differently in your system. The Sulphites that naturally occur in wine are already bonded to the wine. The added supphites are free to bond to you. What does this mean? This means that labeling is your friend. Even though some of the labeling is confusing, it is still your best friend. ORGANIC: This is the funny one. I actally consider this a bit of a joke. I really do. If the wine is Organic, then no sulphites can be added. If it is made with organically grown grapes then they can add sulphites. NO SULFITES DETECTED is exactly what it says. They did the testing and there were no sulphites detected. NO SULFITES ADDED is once again exactly what it says. Seeing this label is no different than an organic label when you looking for sulphites. All of these labels will be plainly on the front of the bottle. If it's not there, don't bother looking because it's not hiding in the back. WHAT TO LOOK FOR? N.S.A. Certified Organic Wines Organic Wines No Sulfites detected No Sulphites added WHAT NOT TO LOOK FOR? Made with Organically grown grapes The other thing to think about is which wines naturally have more sulphites that others. Dry Red Wines will have the least, followed by sweet red wines, dry white wines and then sweet white wines will have the most. Where to buy. If you are lucky enough to have some local wineries you may be able to get it from them. Fresher is better, because sulphites are used as a preservative you want wines that don't need to be preserved because they are fresh. You can also look at places like Whole Foods or other trendy health food mega marts. Ask a wine steward. WHAT BRANDS SHOULD I LOOK FOR? I have found some wonderful brands, unfortunately the differing wines can be hit or miss. I try not to pay no more than $10 and will not pay more than $15 a bottle. I love my wine... FREY: Lovely Syrah, and Caberet Sovengion, but their red table wine, not so much OUR DAILY RED: This is a cooking wine, and nothing more! It is very dry and tanic and not at all pleasant BADGER MOUNTAIN: I am in love Here are a few more http://www.mamasfineitalian.com/files/FREE-NO_ALC.pdf I hope this helps renew your love of wine.