Why use sulfur dioxide in wine?

Walking through the wine shop and getting acquainted with the composition of a couple of bottles, I saw in the beverage SO ₂ . The bottle was written that the product does not contain hazardous substances for health. Sulfur dioxide in wine is normal or not? I decided to understand this, but at the same time to share information with you. First I found information about what wine experts think about it and what they mean by the term "sulfur dioxide". Wine has the ability to roam, even when it is bottled. Therefore, manufacturers use SO ₂ to exclude the possibility of sudden fermentation in a bottle. As for harm, if all the permitted norms are observed, then it is excluded. Unfortunately, to date, there is no other way to replace sulfur dioxide in wine. Most of this substance is contained in sweet wines, as sugar increases the possible fermentation of grapes in a bottle (SO ₂ norm - 400 ml / l). Wine experts therefore do not recommend the frequent use of sweet varieties. But in general, their opinion is the same: wine without sulfur dioxide today can not be, so you just need to monitor its quantity by reading the information on the bottle you are buying. Numerous studies have also been conducted, which have been devoted to the study of the effect of SO ₂ on humans. The conclusion confirmed that sulfur dioxide in wine is absolutely harmless, if its concentration does not exceed 300 mg / l.

There are, of course, wines that are called biodynamic. In our time they are very popular, but with the increase in demand, the price is also growing. Producers argue that sulfur dioxide in their wine is not completely available or is used in minimal quantities. Since the processes of fermentation and clarification occur naturally, much more time and effort is expended on this, and the risk that wine can sour is much more. Of course, many of the principles of biodynamics are considered stupid and strange. But what is its essence? Winemakers create a balance between the energy of the earth and the cosmos, thereby maintaining the immunity of grapes. They care about the quality of the soil, completely refusing to use any chemical fertilizer. And during the preparation they do not use any impurities and additional substances. Such wines are produced by Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace and the Rhone Valley.

A few facts about sulfur dioxide in wine:

- Many people are allergic to sulfur, so be careful. The first signs are a sore throat, redness on the skin.

- It is not recommended to drink this drink to people who have renal failure, and in general, consult a doctor about the use of wine if you have any serious illness.

- If you compare the presence of SO ₂ , then in red wine it is less than in white, and also in semisweet more than in dry.

- Sulfur dioxide is partially weathered, so if you want, then before drinking wine, put aside your glass for a while.

- Try to drink wine rarely and not in large quantities.

I hope that I helped you to sort this out a little, and now you'll be a bit more alert when choosing a bottle of wine for dinner, as you own basic information about SO ₂ .