What wine for sulfite-intolerant people?

Sulfite intolerance affects 1-3% of the population, primarily people with asthma. Symptoms include headaches, skin flushing, breathing difficulties, and digestive issues. Importantly, wine headaches aren't always caused by sulfites — biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine) and tannins are other possible triggers.

Natural wines are the best option for genuinely sulfite-sensitive people. These wines are made without added SO₂ and contain only the sulfites naturally produced during fermentation (10-30 mg/L). In Belgium, specialist shops like La Cave du Lac in Genval carry a good natural wine selection.

Demeter-certified biodynamic wines have strict limits: 70 mg/L for dry reds and 90 mg/L for dry whites. That's a good compromise between low sulfites and wine stability.

Red wines naturally need less added sulfite than whites because tannins and anthocyanins (pigments) in red grapes act as natural antioxidants, reducing the need for SO₂. Sweet wines, conversely, require the highest doses.

Practical tips: serve no-added-sulfite wines slightly cooler (this limits SO₂ volatilisation), drink them within a year of purchase (they're more fragile), and store them in a cool place (10-12°C) without exception.

Consult a healthcare professional to confirm a sulfite intolerance diagnosis and distinguish between different possible causes of your symptoms.