One of the most common questions we receive at Big Hammer Wines is about sulfur in wine. It’s a topic that often sparks curiosity, so let’s dive into the facts.
What Is Sulfur in Wine?
Sulfur occurs naturally in both the vineyard and the wine itself. It’s a key element that plays a role in stabilizing wine over time, which is why it’s commonly used as a preservative. You may be surprised to learn that sulfur is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, and sulfur dioxide, in particular, is omnipresent in our daily lives.
Sulfur in Everyday Life
You may not even realize how often you encounter sulfur. For example, if you’ve ever had French fries from a fast-food restaurant, you’ve experienced up to 10,000 parts per million of sulfur. And those orange dried apricots you find at the store? They can contain up to 50,000 parts per million of sulfur dioxide, which helps preserve them and keep them looking vibrant for years.
In contrast, most commercial wines in the U.S. contain less than 100 parts per million of sulfur, and many of the wines we carry at Big Hammer Wines have under 50 parts per million.
Do Sulfur Levels in Wine Cause Headaches?
A lot of people assume that sulfur is the culprit behind headaches from wine, but it turns out that relatively few people actually have a sulfur allergy. If you were one of those few, you would likely know it, as sulfur reactions are quite severe. They can trigger asthma, breathing problems, or skin reactions like hives.
So, if you experience headaches after drinking wine, it’s more likely due to dehydration rather than sulfur. Alcohol, including wine, tends to dehydrate you, and without drinking enough water to balance it out, dehydration is the most common cause of discomfort.
Sweetness and Sulfur in Wine
It’s worth noting that wines with higher residual sugar levels or more sweetness tend to require more sulfur dioxide to prevent spoilage. So, if you find that sweeter wines give you more of a reaction, it could be the sulfur used as a preservative, but again, dehydration might be more to blame.
At Big Hammer Wines, we tend to prefer wines that are lower in sulfur and dry. We find that these wines offer a better balance of taste without compromising on quality or preservation.
The Bottom Line
If you think you have a sulfur allergy, the chances are slim. Most likely, if you were allergic to sulfur, you’d experience a more severe reaction. The real issue for many wine drinkers is dehydration, which can cause headaches and discomfort. So, our advice? Always make sure to drink plenty of water alongside your wine.
Enjoy your glass of wine, but remember to hydrate! Cheers to good health and even better wine.
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