However, luckily for those affected by sulfites, organic wine has come to the rescue, wearing a red cape and giving those allergic to regular wine a second chance.
Organic wine doesn’t necessarily mean “sulfite free,” a tidbit of information extremely important to those sensitive to even the most minute levels of sulfites. In fact, wines are rarely sulfite-free; sulfites occur naturally in wine. However, conventional wines go above and beyond the naturally occurring sulfites, adding many more sulfites to their finished product. Organic wine, on the other hand, tends to believe that the naturally occurring sulfites are enough - they don’t want to compound the situation.
The true definition of organic wine depends on where the wine is produced. For wines produced in America, the National Organic Program, the federal agency overseeing the production of organic food, has mandated that any wine claiming to be “organic” must not contain any added sulfites. Wines merely claiming to be made with “organic grapes,” however, aren’t subject to these regulation. Along these lines, wines that are produced outside the US are governed under their own regulations: these wines generally have added sulfites, but the amount is roughly a third of the amount found in conventional wine. Thus, for those with sulfite allergies, it’s important to read the label very carefully.
Drinking organic wine isn’t just limited to those with sulfite allergies - it’s not a secret club people are allowed into by submitting their medical records. Many people simply find organic wines better tasting, healthier, and good for the environment.
Organic wine is composed of grapes that are grown in an organic vineyard with organic farming techniques. Essentially, this means that the grapes were grown in a manner void of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides and full of natural fertilizers. These vineyards also contain cover crops between their vines and work to attract beneficial insects, insects that will feed on harmful pests. Though no scientific study provides credence, there is strong speculation that drinking organic wine instead of conventional wine decreases the chance of a hangover. This has led many people down an organic path, a path paved with the healthiest of soil.
Article comments
1 - John Ng
I, too, am deeply touched when I hear and see people who must put up with whatever kind of hand that God has dealt them. That is why I feel that I must reply to these articles concerning people's allergies. Even if they fall upon deaf ears... so be it! About 3 years ago, a technique was invented that allowed children and adults to be relieved of all allergy symptoms, permanently! I know that this sounds too good to be true... but it is. I, myself, have witnessed countless number of people who have walked through our door with allergies of all sorts coming in. From food to environmental to chemical to molds to dust... the list goes on and on. Even those suffering from anaphylactic reactions. That's right, let me repeat this, even those suffering from anaphylactic reactions have come through our door.
There is a way to deal with allergies and I must admit that I too, was once an unbeliever in any form of allergy symptom removal. There is a way to test for the allergies through applied kinesiology and there is a way to remove the allergy symptoms through a new technique called electro-acupuncture, which has no penetration of the skin. This technique has only been licenced for use over the last three years. It is a device that you put against the skin and various acupuncture points located throughout the body. Results are guaranteed and 80% of the clients have their allergy symptoms removed on their first visit, permanently! I strongly encourage you to visit our website No Sugar Please for further information.
2 - Holly Givens
Just to clarify, no matter where they are produced, food and beverage products sold as organic in the United States must meet or exceed requirements for organic production detailed in the US National Orgnaic Program (www.ams.usda.gov/nop). The specific definition of organic production may vary somewhat from country to country, but organic products sold in the US must follow US law.
Holly Givens
Public Affairs Advisor
Organic Trade Association