If you’ve ever woken up with cement mixer head from one glass of vino too many, you might have thought it was due to sulfites. Probably not! Your red wine headaches are a real thing, but alcohol, sugar, tannins and overindulgence are the more likely causes.
However, sulfites do pose other others challenge to wine drinkers. For one thing, some people do have a genuine allergic reaction to them. (Like congestion, hives, sneezing, coughing, etc.) Plus, some people simply prefer to eat and drink products without additives.
What Are Sulfites? Should I Remove Them?
Sulfites are a preservative added to maintain the natural flavor and color of the wine. This combination of sulfur and dioxide (SO2) is usually added to all types of wine. Some drinkers report that the chemical leaves behind a bitter taste.
Even if no extra sulfites have been added, it’s important to remember that a natural part of the wine’s fermentation process produces some sulfites. The chemical process of adding SO2 has reportedly been used for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Romans. They used it during their winemaking process to prevent the wine from turning to vinegar.
Sulfites aren’t evil per se, but you may enjoy your wine more with less of them.
We explain how to store wine at home to keep it fresh.
Does Using a Wine Purifier Work?
There are many products on the market that claim to remove bitterness by filtering out sulfites. The Ullo Wine Purifier is one of them. It’s a small net-like gadget that you place over your glass as you pour the wine. It works to aerate the wine, allowing it to breathe oxygen and let natural flavors come through. This is how to taste wine, according to a sommelier.
Reviewers overwhelmingly love this product. Many even performed taste tests with their favorite bottle of wine. When they compared their purified and unpurified glasses, the difference was noticeable. “You’ve spoiled me,” says one sampler. Another reports that Ullo is “a game-changer.”
The next time you reach for a glass of wine, consider pouring it through a purifier to savor your pinot at its fullest. Even if you’re not sensitive to sulfites, you could enjoy a fresher glass. Here’s another way to make any glass of wine taste better.
1 / 15Taste of Home
Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini
Wine pairing: Champagne Bubbly pairs well with just about any food, but salty snacks like these bacon-topped crostini really spring to life thanks to champagne’s acidity, which keeps taste buds refreshed and ready for more. Go to Recipe
Crab Crescents
Wine pairing: Chardonnay Fluffy crescent rolls and decadent crab meat are a surefire crowd-pleaser when paired with a buttery, creamy-textured Chardonnay. Go to Recipe
Lemony Snack Mix
Wine pairing: Pinot Grigio A light, citrusy snack and crisp Pinot Grigio go hand in hand to delicately dance atop taste buds. Go to Recipe
Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta
Wine pairing: Zinfandel Zinfandel brings berries’ subtle flavors to life thanks to its sweet, fruity profile.Go to Recipe
Fresh Fruit Salsa
Wine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc Light, refreshing, and citrus-forward wine will bring out the fruity flavors of mango, melon and pineapple salsa.Go to Recipe
Sausage Mushroom Appetizers
Wine pairing: Pinot Noir This classic pairing will fill mouths with hearty umami and earthy flavors. Go to RecipeTaste of Home
Riesling and Swiss Cheese Fondue
Wine pairing: Reisling Sweet and clean Reisling paves the way for the savory flavors of swiss cheese fondue and smoked sausage. This one gets bonus points for incorporating the wine into the recipe.Go to Recipe
So Very Berry Brie
Wine pairing: Malbec Malbec’s notes of jammy berries will bring this appetizer’s raspberry flavor to center stage. Go to Recipe
Pressure-Cooker Light Deviled Eggs
Wine pairing: Prosecco This sparkling wine’s crisp, palate-cleansing finish will leave taste buds ready for another decadent deviled egg. Go to Recipe
California Sushi Rolls
Wine pairing: Pinot Blanc The lighter version of Pinot Noir won’t overwhelm palates when paired with a simple-yet-satisfying appetizer like sushi rolls. Go to Recipe
Apricot Wraps
Wine pairing: Chablis Bacon tends to be a heavy-hitting ingredient, but light-bodied Chablis and apricot will keep guests hungry for more of this palate-pleasing pairing.Go to Recipe
Orange Shrimp Mojo
Wine pairing: Moscato Sweet Moscato’s citrusy notes will bring out the orange in this dish, and the wine’s sweetness will keep the jalapenos’ heat at bay.Go to Recipe
Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball
Wine pairing: Madeira With a nutty flavor profile, this red is sure to highlight this appetizer’s tasty toasted pecans.Go to Recipe
Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Hummus
Wine pairing: Rosé Easy-drinking Rosé goes well with just about everything, but try this dip to explore the contrast between the sweet red-white blend and the earthy flavors of hummus and beets.Go to RecipeTaste of Home
Mini Burgers with the Works
Wine pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon The robust and full-bodied profile of Cabernet Sauvignon lets the taste of beef flourish with every bite. Get ready for a mouthful of flavor with every bite and sip.Go to Recipe
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