Explained: Sulphites in French Wine

even Natural wines with no added sulphites may still carry this warning.

There has been no scientific evidence that sulphites cause headaches. In fact the idea that "red wine headache" is a result of sulphites is in contrast with the fact that white wine generally contain 50% more sulphites than red.

helps prevent the wine from developing vinegary flavours

I believe that the trend for "Zero sulphite" wine is mainly founded on the false premise that the sulphite level of wine is responsible for various side effects.

The law states that any amount over 10mg/L means that the words "Contains Sulphites" must be written on the label

The level of sulphur dioxide in wine is strictly controlled and limited to safe levels. In the EU, red wine can contain no more than 150mg/L and white wine 200mg/L. On average, French red wine contains around 60 and white wine around 90.

Sulphites (the French spelling) refers to the addition of Potassium Metabisulphite to wine, creating sulphur dioxide, which has powerful antioxidant and anti-microbial characteristics.