Sulfur dioxide in wine: why, effect, is it harmful
By studying labels, you can see that most grape drinks contain sulfur dioxide. Moreover, it is present not only in affordable wines of the budget category, but also in elite products.
In the composition of alcohol, this ingredient is usually signed as "E220". An analogue of the inscription can be the designations: "sulfur oxide/dioxide/dioxide", "SO₂", "Sulfur Dioxide", "sulfur anhydride".
Why sulfur dioxide (E220) is added to wine
Sulfur dioxide has been used in the food industry since the Middle Ages. Its antimicrobial properties were first noticed in ancient Rome.
Winemakers have long treated wine barrels with sulfur and added sulfur oxide to their beverages. The additive was also used to preserve other products. When the toxic properties of sulfur dioxide were noticed, bans on its use were introduced. However, over time, winemakers have returned to including the additive in drinks, having determined a safe dosage of the substance.
At the moment, no full-fledged safe replacement for this ingredient has been found.
Today, sulfur dioxide is used not only in the manufacture of alcohol, but also in the production of juices, dried fruits, sweets, etc. д. It is used in different forms: in a gaseous state, in the form of a powder or solution.
In winemaking, E220 is indispensable at the following stages of production:
During the harvesting and pressing of berries.
During the fermentation and fermentation of the beverage.
In the process of bottling.
Depending on the situation, the addition of sulfur dioxide stops fermentation, prevents the formation of acetic acid, stabilizes the taste and color of wine, extends the shelf life of the drink, and disinfects containers and production equipment.
In the absence of an antioxidant, alcohol quickly sours and spoils. Unlike grape products, strong alcohol does not require the inclusion of such an additive, as it has an antimicrobial effect by itself.
How does sulfur dioxide affect the body?
In minimal concentrations, the substance is not harmful to health. Significant excess of permissible standards is dangerous.
In case of an overdose of the preservative, various negative phenomena can be observed: metabolic and digestive disorders, allergic reactions, headaches, palpitations, and other disorders.
Inhalation of sulfur dioxide can lead to serious poisoning, up to and including pulmonary edema.
However, sulfur dioxide is absolutely harmless in the amounts contained in wine. It is completely excreted from the body in the urine and does not accumulate in tissues. The only people who may feel unwell when tasting drinks containing E220 are asthmatics, people with hypersensitivity to this component, gastric acidity disorders and kidney pathologies.
Non-compliance with consumption standards is considered dangerous: if you drink more than 3-4 glasses of wine, the concentration of the substance will exceed the permissible level and may affect your health.
Are there wines without E220?
Sulfur dioxide in acceptable quantities is part of most wines. The only exceptions are the so-called biodynamic (organic) drinks, although they contain insignificant concentrations of the substance.
The fact is that sulfur dioxide is produced in the process of natural fermentation, so it is unrealistic to find a wine that does not contain this compound at all.
But you can buy drinks with a minimum inclusion of E220: these include products with the USDA Organic and Exocert icons.
The most famous manufacturers: "Zind-Humbrecht and Leroy (France), Kalleske (Australia), Gotsa (Georgia), Gravner, Riecine and Magma Rosso (Italy).
Even people with an allergy to sulfur additives are allowed to drink such wines.
If you want to buy a regular wine with a lower E220 content, you should focus on red dry drinks.
In white and dessert products, sulfites are present in larger quantities, and the maximum amount of sulfur oxide is found in wines made from berries affected by noble mold (bortritized). Before sampling, it is recommended to let the drink "breathe": some of the harmful substances will evaporate from the glass.
Update: 25.01.2019
Category: Wine and Vermouth