The wine world is full of buzzwords. Look at the wine bottles in your favorite store, and you’ll likely see more than a few on the labels: biodynamic, sustainable, organic, no added sulfites.
Ah, yes, sulfites. Sulfites have been blamed for years—perhaps unfairly—for headaches and other health issues. The perception, however, may not match the reality. First, all wines contain sulfites to some degree, since they occur naturally. The reason winemakers add sulfites is to better preserve their wines. But this isn’t limited to the wine industry. Sulfites can be found in many foods, including beer, dried fruits, shrimp and lobster, cured meats, and many dough-based goods.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 5 percent of people with asthma will be sensitive to sulfites. J.D. Phelps, wine manager at the Greenville Bottles Beverage Superstore, estimates that roughly 1 in 1.2 million people overall are impacted. He says that most people blame sulfites when instead they are reacting to the histamines in wine, which are a byproduct of the fermentation process. No matter where you stand on the sulfite debate, however, there are wines that can be better suited to sensitive drinkers. Many of them will are produced in ways that translate into potentially safer selections, but Phelps says careful shopping is key.
“I gravitate toward old-world wines and lighter reds, which will have lower tannins,” he says. Plus, choosing French and Italian wines, which are typically made with older, less-porous oak, will also help keep histamines in check.
The good news is that in addition to tasting great, many of these wines are inexpensive. Here are five bottles that Phelps recommends.
Sulfite-Free Wine Recommendations
Antinori Vermentino, Bolgheri, $25
The Italian Antinori family knows how to make great wine, and this vermentino is no exception. Phelps likens this to a “good pinot grigio.” The wine presents a fresh minerality along with hints of grapefruit and other tropical fruits. Expect a bright, citrusy finish. Phelps chose this wine because of its old-world production style: lighter, minimal processing, and no new oak. Serve Antinori Vermentino with almost anything, but it would be an excellent choice to complement seafood dishes. It could also work well with light appetizers such as mild cheeses or as the ideal wine to serve to guests as they arrive for dinner.
Vignerons Réunis Montagny Premier Cru, $39
A small growers’ cooperative produces this French white burgundy. It is made with 100% chardonnay grapes from 25-year-old vines that are hand-harvested and then fermented in stainless steel before spending a year in old French oak barrels. Phelps likes this wine because although it does spend some time on oak, it is old oak that should be more easily tolerated by sensitive drinkers. “There’s no manipulation,” he says. “It’s what the grape tastes like.” This is a lovely, full-bodied wine that exhibits only hints of oak, with a nice acidity and flavors of cantaloupe, honey, and tart green apple. Pair it with lighter pasta dishes, pork, and poultry.
Our Daily Red Organic Red Blend, $10
Our Daily Red is a blend of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, ruby cabernet, and carignan. In the glass, the wine presents as light red with flavors of raspberries and cherries. Phelps chose this inexpensive blend because it “checks every box that people want.” It’s vegan, gluten-free, certified USDA organic, contains no preservatives, and has no added sulfites. But how does it taste? That depends on your expectations. This is a simple, inexpensive wine, so don’t expect it to taste like a $50 California cab. “I’d lightly chill it and serve it with appetizers or lighter foods like pork and chicken,” Phelps says. At this price point, you can also keep a bottle or two on hand for unexpected guests.
Pacific Redwood Cabernet Sauvignon, $17
This cab sees very little oak and has no added sulfites, tannins, or sugars. It’s certified USDA organic and is vegan friendly. Located in California’s Mendocino County, Pacific Redwood Winery practices biodynamic farming methods. “It’s a lighter, juicy wine, but still full-bodied,” Phelps says. This is an honest wine with a modest alcohol content. Despite its lighter flavor, it exhibits a deep, cherry-red color in the glass. Berries and fruit abound, with hints of black cherry, blackberry, and currants. Pair this with hard cheeses, lamb, and lighter beef dishes, or serve it with a chocolate-based dessert. Even if you don’t care about the certifications, this is an excellent value.
Château Maris Natural Selection Biodynamic Syrah-Grenache, $25
A French red blend of 70% syrah and 30% grenache, Château Maris Natural Selection is organic, biodynamic, and sustainable. The wine, which is fermented in concrete eggs, has a deep-red color and is smooth and balanced on the palate. There are hints of fruit, nice minerality and a wonderfully silky finish. It’s a juicy, fresh wine with moderate tannins. “This wine has everything we’ve been talking about,” Phelps says. “It has all the certifications.” By any metric, this is a very good wine. Pair it with pork, chicken, and leaner cuts of beef.
