Do imported wines contain sulfites?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
Do imported wines contain sulfites?
—Paul, Evans City, Pa.
Dear Paul,
The short answer is yes. Sulfites (not to be confused with sulfates) are a naturally occurring byproduct of fermentation, and winemakers often add some sulfur dioxide to help preserve wine by inhibiting microbial growth. For wines that have to be shipped across the ocean to reach their intended market, the addition of a little sulfur can be crucial for preventing spoilage.
For the vast majority of people, consuming sulfites is harmless. They’re also found in other products, from molasses to dried fruit, often at far higher concentrations than in wine. While some people do have an allergy to sulfites, true sulfite allergies are rare.
Keep in mind that what appears on a wine label (and what doesn’t) depends on where the wine is being sold—and that includes indication of sulfite content. The same wine will often carry different language on the label, depending on whether the bottle is destined for sale in the European Union, the United States or another market.
—Dr. Vinny
