LOW SULPHUR & NATURAL WINES

Question 1

What is the maximum amount of SO2 allowed in a bottle ‘sans sulfites’?

Answer 1

10 mg/L
Higher natural or added must have the label with ‘contains sulphites’

Question 2

Are all natural wines without sulphur?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

Are all sulphur free wines natural?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

Why do we use SO2? (3)

Answer 4

Antiseptic (protects from microbes without killing them) microbial (kills bacteria)
Antioxidant
Decrease inn enzymatic oxidation
(Extraction in skin macerated whites)

Question 5

Why does sulphur free wine not exist?

Answer 5

Because SO2 is a natural by-product of the alcoholic fermentation

Question 6

Which 3 forms of free sulphite is there?

Answer 6

Molecular SO2
Sulphite (SO3)
Bisulphite (HSO3)

Question 7

Which defect is related to SO2 or a reductive wine

Answer 7

Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg)

Question 8

What does free SO2 do for astringency in red wine?

Answer 8

It protects the tannin and anthocyanin, but reduces astringency