The Truth About Sulphites in Wine: Myths Debunked

Üllo first launched in the summer of 2015 on Kickstarter, and since then, we’ve encountered countless myths and misconceptions about sulphites in wine. In this post, we aim to debunk some of these myths and set the record straight based on current scientific knowledge.

Myth #1: Red Wine Has More Sulphites Than White Wine

One of the most common misconceptions we hear is, "I avoid red wine because it has more sulphites." Unfortunately, this simply isn’t true. Ask any winemaker, and they’ll confirm that sulphites are used in both red and white wines. In fact, white wines often contain more sulphites than red wines.

So where did this myth come from? It likely originates from the fact that sulphites are a regulated additive and are labelled on wine bottles due to their status as a known allergen. The phrase "contains sulphites" is one of the only warnings found on a wine label, which has led many people to assume sulphites are the primary cause of wine headaches.

What About Wine Sensitivities?

Sulphites can cause reactions such as itchy throat, flushing, and nasal congestion, but these symptoms don’t typically explain why some people react to red wine but not white wine. If you notice symptoms with red wine alone, it’s worth considering other culprits like histamines or tannins, which are more prevalent in red wines.

Myth #2: European Wines Have Fewer Sulphites Than New World Wines

Another common belief is that wines from Europe contain fewer sulphites than those from America or other "New World" regions. This isn’t true. The phrase "contains sulphites" is required on all wine bottles sold in the United States if the sulphite levels exceed 10ppm. European wines must meet the same standards when sold internationally.

Having tested hundreds of wines from various regions, grape varieties, and styles, we’ve found that most wines fall within a similar range of sulphite levels, regardless of whether they come from a small European vineyard or a large Napa Valley producer.

Understanding Sulphite Levels in Wine

Virtually every bottle of wine contains some level of sulphites due to their natural occurrence during fermentation. Additional sulphites are often added to stabilise and preserve the wine. Without purification, it’s nearly impossible to avoid sulphites entirely.

How Üllo Can Help

While you can’t rely on myths to avoid sulphites, you can rely on Üllo. Our wine purifiers use patented Selective Sulphite™ technology to remove sulphites from your wine, restoring its natural taste and aroma.

Debunking the Myths

Next time you hear someone say red wine has more sulphites than white, or that European wines are naturally lower in sulphites, you can confidently disregard these myths. The truth is that unless you’re purifying your wine with Üllo, your glass will contain sulphites regardless of its origin or colour.

Cheers to enjoying wine in its purest form!