Worried about Sulfites in Wine? It has an impact on our Health.

What are Sulfites ?

First of all we should define what sulfites are and especially when it comes to the winemaking process. The term sulfites is an inclusive term for sulfur dioxide (SO2), a preservative that’s widely used in winemaking (and also in most food industries) for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. SO2 plays an important role in preventing oxidization and maintaining a wine’s freshness.

Natural Sulfites vs. Added Sulfites

There are two types of sulfites, also known as sulfur dioxide: natural and added. “Natural sulfites are just that, totally natural compounds produced during fermentation”, says Antonio Brisotto winemaker of San Simone in Friuli, Italy. He continues: “There is no Sulfite-free wines at all. It simply does not exist.” Added sulfites preserve freshness and protect wine from oxidation, and unwanted bacteria and yeasts. Added sulfites are a terrific aid to the winemakers and also for wine consumers, because it destroys bad microbes.

Our SYLTBAR producer San Simone in Friuli, Italy only produces wines made with natural sulfites. All SYLTBAR fine wines are naturally produced and very low on sulfites. This wine making process is used by San Simone for more than 105 years. You should try and taste our SYLTBAR White Linen Pinot Grigio, the Silk Friulano, the Junior Pinot Grigio Ramato and our red wine Cashmere Cabernet Franc. You will feel the difference right away or latest the next morning when you wake up without headaches or migraine guaranteed.

Are sulfites Bad for You in general ? A study says No.

A study in The Journal of Headache and Pain on alcohol and headaches which happened in 2018 said that even in individuals with asthmatic sulfite sensitivity, sulfites have not been shown to cause headaches. The study goes on to say that “On the other hand, there are many foods such as dried fruits, chips, raisins, soy sauce, pickles and juice fruits containing concentration of sulfites even ten times higher than that of wine”.

The bottom Line: Sulfites in Wine

Sulfites are a chemical compound used to improve the appearance, taste, and shelf life of wine and other products. While some people can tolerate sulfites without issue, a lot of others may experience stomach pain, headaches, hives, swelling, and diarrhea. If you’re sensitive to these compounds, opt for red wine or wine made without added sulfites to help limit your consumption and prevent negative side effects. This is exactly the reason why we highly recommend to taste and enjoy all then SYLTBAR fine wines Cashmere Cabernet Franc, SYLTBAR White Linen Pinot Grigio, SYLTBAR Silk Friulano and the SYLTBAR Junior Ramato Pinot Grigio. All these value fine wines are naturally produced, very low on sulfites and are vegan too.

Sulfite Sensitivity

Some people have a sensitivity to sulfites, and the reactions to it can cause different kind of symptoms. These appear for example when people face asthma, and it's far less common for those without asthma to have a sulfite sensitivity. Furthermore people deficient in sulfite oxidase, the enzyme necessary to break down sulfites, can also experience symptoms without having asthma.

Most people can safely consume the sulfites found in wine with minimal risk of adverse side effects. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an estimated 1% of the population is sensitive to sulfites, and about 5% of those individuals have asthma as well.

Range of Symptoms of Sulfite Sensitivity

Symptoms of a sulfite sensitivity generally occur within half an hour after consuming sulfites. You might also have changes in your heart rate or serious breathing problems. In this case you should consult a doctor. Although a lot of people claim that sulfites cause them to get headaches, but this hasn't been supported by credible scientific research.

FDA Wine Labeling Rules

The FDA makes it crystal clear what has to appear on a wine bottle label when it comes to its sulfites content.

“A sulfite declaration is a statement on labels of wine that informs the consumer that the wine contains sulfites or sulfiting agents. The statement is required where sulfur dioxide or a sulfiting agent is detected at a level of 10 or more parts per million (ppm), measured as total sulfur dioxide”.

Sulfites in SYLTBAR Wine vs Competitor Wine

The very good news about it is that all SYLTBAR fine wine sulfites content are far below the above mentioned minimum FDA requirements. So enjoy SYLTBAR fine wines and experience the non headache and zero migraine feeling which is caused by its natural production and the very low sulfites content.

Love SYLTBAR Wines? Join our wine club to get monthly deliveries of your favorite wines along with member-only benefits such as complimentary shipping and an 5% discount all year round. Join the SYLTBAR Wine Club today!