Are Sulfites in Wine Dangerous?
February 28, 2008
I’ve heard that sulfites in wine can be potentially dangerous, why would I want to continue drinking wine if this chemical is purposely added in? Anna - Kansas City, KS
Come on, that really can’t be your reason for not tipping back a glass, is it? What is there to do in Kansas City besides drink? I promise that you will not turn into a lush if you have a glass every now and again. So don’t be paranoid, here are the facts on sulfites in wine. Believe it or not all wines contain at least some small amount of sulfites and among other things; they are found on grapes, onions, garlic, and many other common plants and vegetables that make up our diet. No wine can ever be sulfite free, even if they have not been added during the wine fermentation process.
However, wine sulfites are a problem for some drinkers and can lead to serious headaches for those who do have sensitivity to it. For people who do have an allergy, the average level of sulfites in wine can cause heartburns or other side effects. Unpleasant reactions include burning sensations, hives, cramps, and flushing of the skin. For these people, organic wines are an especially good choice since they contain minimal amounts that will in most cases lie below their threshold level.
Makers of wine have been putting additional sulfites in wine for ages. This is because sulfur dioxide (SO2) is used to keep freshly pressed juice from spoiling. The good thing is that modern technology has allowed for the reduction in the amount of sulfur than what was used in the past but some is absolutely necessary to make a stable wine. If you didn’t add sulfites, the wine would turn into vinegar in a matter of months. Not only does sulfur dioxide prevent the growth of bacteria, but it also stops oxidation and helps to preserves the wine’s natural flavor.
Regulations in the United States require that domestic and imported wines carry warning labels if they have sulfites in wine in excess of 10 parts per million. Wines that have less than 10 parts per million are not required to carry the “Contains Sulfites” label but they still contain sulfites in some level.
Truly, sulfites in wine are going to be there regardless, but if you’ve never had an allergic reaction like the ones stated above then you really have nothing to worry about. There are a ton of misconceptions out there about this much slandered drink and this is why I am passionate about delivering the facts to wine virgins so you know exactly what you are pouring down your throat. Now get out to the bar or go pick up a bottle and drink to your health Anna. Cheers!!
What is a Wino?
February 27, 2008
Hi Wine Virgin, how are you? What is a wino? I’ve always heard this term before but I never really knew why people said it or what it meant. - Susan in San Luis Obispo, CA
Ahh my favorite, yes this describes me well. Ever since I had my first glass, I new I would never stop but only turn into more and more of one with each and every passing day… I’ll be a wino forever. But I have to wonder. I mean it’s really not that difficult to figure out from the context of a sentence what a person means by a certain word is it?
Here’s an example. Suppose you’re sitting down at a bar with one of your friends and she leans over to you and whispers “Oh that so and so is such a _____!!” Now, consider for a moment that even though you may not be too familiar with the adjective in which she used to describe this person. You can tell by the tone in her voice and the expression on her face whether what she said was good or bad, right?
Ok, good, so imagine that we are out together and I lean over to you and basically say the same above statement, with the same mysterious adjective… but I have a frowning, disapproving look on my face with an accusatory tone in my voice. On top of that, the term I use is closely related to the general nature of what is being discussed about how this person is acting. So to make it bright and clear, I say, “You know what?” “That so and so is such a wino!!”.
This is said as the person in question stumbles around completely hammered, drooling and mumbling to anyone that is within shouting distance about how much they want to bring about world peace and save god’s children. Make sense? Now pick up a glass and join the wino club!!
The Number of Calories in a Glass of Wine
February 25, 2008
Hey Wine Virgin, I have some quick wine questions for you. I just started a diet recently and I wanted to know if having a few or more glasses of wine a day would have any overall effect on me trying to lose weight. So can you tell me what’s the number of calories in a glass of wine? - Kevin in Portland, OR
A few or more glasses of wine a day huh? That doesn’t really equal out to about 10 or more does it? Hey, being a functioning alcoholic isn’t a bad thing, so long as you are able to go to work, run your errands… take care of the kids. I have to commend you though for trying to lose weight while still keeping your alcohol consumption steady. If you can’t indulge on an entire package of bonbons then at least you can have your lush wine.
So as far as the number of calories in a glass of wine, dry varieties have fewer calories than sweeter ones. For example, a dry glass has a little over 100 calories and a glass of sweet dessert wine has a whopping 230 or more calories. If you drink a glass before dinner which I’m sure that you have plenty more than just one, and on top of that another glass with with your food and then a sweeter variety for dessert, you’ve added definitely more than 400 + calories to your meal.
Since I answered your wine questions, I have to ask you this one. Do you think it’s the bonbons that are making you portly or perhaps all those beautiful varieties of fermented grape that you enjoy on an all too regular basis? Come on, I’m curious!!
What is Port Wine?
February 21, 2008
Wine Virgin I was wondering if you could tell me what is port wine? Is it all wine from Portugal that is what one of my friends says but when I had some port recently it sure seemed to have a bit of a kick. - Matt in Florida
Well Matt your friend’s claim is somewhat grounded in fact but also way off at the same time and that extra kick you mention is something that can get a wine virgin or anyone for that matter into trouble if they are not careful.
You see port is a sweet Portuguese, fortified wine from the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal. Port is often served as a dessert wine. Wines in the style of the Portuguese product called port are also produced around the world in several countries-most notably Australia, South Africa, India, Canada and the United States.
Port is produced from grapes like all wines at least initially. The wine is then fortified with much higher alcohol product made from distilled wine (quite often cognac). The goal of this and the effect is to boost the alcohol content. Port wine is stored and aged, often in barrels and stored for quite a long time before being bottled.
I dearly love a good port but you had better not make the virgin mistake of treating port like chardonnay or you just might wake up regretting the night before in more ways then one. Try a small glass of Port after a big meal in place of desert some time especially after a nice steak or chops.