Finally I am writing an article on one of the most sensitive subjects regarding wine, Sulphites!I hope this will clear your thoughts on why they are used and why some wines might cause you more headaches than others.
If you've ever woken up with a headache after a night of drinking wine, you may have heard someone blame sulphites. But what are sulphites, and why are they used in wine? More importantly, why do Italian wines generally contain far fewer sulphites than some California wines? Let’s uncover the truth behind this common wine debate, as I will try to explain why you might have noticed many less side effects while drinking wine in Italy...
What Are Sulphites and Why Are They Used in Wine?
Sulphites (sulfur dioxide, SO₂) are a natural byproduct of fermentation, but winemakers also add them to wine as a preservative. Their role is crucial in:
✅ Preventing oxidation – Sulphites protect wine from exposure to oxygen, which can cause premature aging and spoilage.
✅ Inhibiting bacteria and wild yeasts – They prevent unwanted fermentations that could alter the flavor and stability of the wine.
✅ Preserving freshness and consistency – Especially in large-scale production, sulphites ensure the wine tastes the same from bottle to bottle.
✅ Stabilize the wine for aging and transportation - They protect the wine to overcome some of the stressful moments of its life.
✅ Avoid the risk of unwanted fermentation in wines containing residual sugar - They play a crucial role in inhibiting the activity of any remaining yeast. Without this safeguard, residual yeast could continue fermenting the leftover sugars inside the bottle, causing fizziness or increasing pressure on the cork to pop out.
In moderation, sulphites are not harmful. In fact, they are present in many foods like dried fruits, pickles, and even some packaged meats. But when used excessively, they can have noticeable side effects.
Do Sulphites Cause Headaches?
One of the most common complaints associated with sulphites is headaches. While only a small percentage of people are truly allergic to sulphites (mostly those with asthma), an excessive amount of sulphites can lead to:
❌ Headaches and dizziness
❌ Respiratory issues in sensitive individuals
❌ Flushing and skin reactions
However, sulphites alone are not always the culprit. Headaches from wine can also be caused by histamines and tannins, which are found naturally in grape skins and fermentation.
Do Italian Wines Contain Fewer Sulphites Than some popular California Wines? And why?
Quoting an article by Isabelle Legeron, Master of wine, regarding the use of Sulphites in California:
"Since 1988 (USA) and 2005 (EU), all wines containing more than 10 mg/L total sulfur dioxide have to include ‘contains sulfites’ on the label, but the real question is how much is present. A truly natural grower, for example, who does not add any but whose wine contains 15 mg/L naturally, has to include the mention, as does an industrial producer, whose totals might be as high as 350 mg/L. In the EU, sulfite totals are legally permitted up to 150 mg/L, 200 mg/L, for red and white respectively, while in the USA a blanket 350 mg/L limit applies. In short, as things currently stand, we have no idea what we are drinking, which is shocking not least because we don’t truly understand the implications on human health."
Italian wines, particularly those from small, traditional producers, typically use far fewer sulphites than their Californian counterparts. Here’s why:
🔹 Most Italian wines are organic or made with minimal intervention – Because Italy has a long tradition of natural winemaking, many wineries avoid excessive additives, including sulphites.
🔹 Bone-dry wines require fewer preservatives – Italian wines are naturally dry, with low residual sugar, meaning there’s less risk of unwanted fermentation, so winemakers don’t need to add as many sulphites. Unlike large-scale wineries that prioritize quick turnover and cash flow, Italian vintners embrace patience, allowing their wines to age longer and develop greater smoothness before reaching consumers.
🔹 Stricter regulations – European Union wine laws limit sulphite levels much more than U.S. regulations. In Napa Valley, for example, winemakers are legally allowed to use almost double the amount of sulphites permitted in Italy.
🔹 Climate and tradition – Italian winemaking regions have been perfecting their techniques for centuries, relying more on natural acidity and traditional aging methods to preserve wine instead of chemical preservatives.
Why More Americans Are Becoming Intolerant to Sulphites
In recent years, wine consumption in the U.S. has been declining, with a staggering -15% from 2019 to 2021, as more people report experiencing negative reactions after drinking wine. Many find themselves intolerant to the high sulphite levels in mass-produced wines, leading them to reduce or stop drinking wine altogether.
Interestingly, many wine lovers have noticed that when they drink Italian wines in Italy, they don’t experience the same discomfort. Why?
🍷 Italy’s strict regulations mean that winemakers use only the minimum necessary sulphites, avoiding excessive preservatives.
🍷 Italian wines are traditionally crafted, discouraging the use of artificial stabilizers and additives.
🍷 The winemaking culture prioritizes balance and purity, focusing on the natural characteristics of the grape rather than manipulating the wine.
If you’ve ever enjoyed wine on vacation in Italy without the usual headaches and side effects, it’s likely because you were drinking low-sulphite, naturally produced wines.
Experience Low-Sulphite Wines with the Perbacco Wine Club
At Perbacco Wine Club, we are passionate about bringing you authentic Italian wines with minimal sulphites—the kind you can drink without worrying about unnecessary additives or preservatives.
✨ No membership fees—only pay for the wine!
✨ Hand-selected, organic, and small-batch wines with close to no added sulphites
✨ Two shipments per year of hidden gems and top-quality Italian wines
✨ Exclusive access to tasting notes, online masterclasses, and private Italian wine tours
If you love wine but want to avoid the side effects of excessive sulphites, join us today and rediscover the pleasure of drinking pure, traditional Italian wines.
Salute! 🍷
Francesco