Sediment and Sulfites in Wine: What to Know

What is that? Why is it in wine? These are two common questions wine enthusiasts and those that are new to the world of wine ask about sulfites and sediment. Sulfites and sediment are two words that can sound scary if you don’t know what they really mean. Learning more about these two important words and what they have to do with your favorite bottle of wine will help ease your mind.

What are sulfites and why are they in wine?

Sulfites, which is sulfur with atoms of oxygen, is commonly added to wine to protect it from bacteria and oxidation. It also prevents spoilage during the many stages of winemaking. The amount of sulfites in wine varies and is determined by the color of the wine and the production method. Generally wines contain either no sulfites or up to 350 PPM. Wines that have high sugar content require more sulfites in order to prevent secondary fermentation. Sulfites have been used in wine dating back to the Roman times. Basically sulfites are used as a preservative that prevents wine from fermenting into vinegar.

Sediment, what is it and why is it in wine?

Sediment is simply grape seeds, bits of grapes, dead yeast cells, polymers and tartrates that settle at the bottom of a barrel of wine during the wine making process. Most winemakers remove the sediment before bottling. Otherwise you will possibly get a mouthful of these items while enjoying your glass of wine. During the fermentation process the first sediment that forms is also referred to as “lees.” Some wine makers will allow the sediment to rest in the wine barrel in order to create a more complex wine. This task takes a great deal of planning and experience.

Those who suffer from reactions to sulfites found in processed foods will want to choose a wine that is sulfite free. Many organic wine producers offer a wide variety of delicious sulfite free wine. While many wine enthusiasts may feel concerned about sediment, there is no need for worry. As mentioned before most wine makers are very careful to remove sediments in order to provide their customers with delectable wine.