The Question of Sulfites (Sulfur) in Wine There is often confusion about the role of sulfites in wines. What better person to ask than our winemaker, Alex Reble?
Jane:So, Alex, for heaven’s sake, let’s start at the beginning. What are sulfites? And why do we find sulfites in wine??
Alex: There are two main ways of adding sulfites (sulfur) to a wine. First, at the crusher in the grape juice – in a powder form, called KMBS. Or, secondly, during the life of the finished wine in a liquid form. In recent years, several companies came out with a very clever sparkling tablet, which releases a predictable amount of sulfur as it dissolves in the wine. Simply put, it protects the wine from spoilage during its time in a tank, barrel or bottle.
Jane: What is your goal, in relation to sulfites, in crafting our wines?
Alex: My goal is to deliver to our customers blends with just the right pH, acids, alcohols and sulfurs. Our “Free sulfur” content is usually around 25 mg/L at bottling time for…
Jane:So, Alex, for heaven’s sake, let’s start at the beginning. What are sulfites? And why do we find sulfites in wine??
Alex: There are two main ways of adding sulfites (sulfur) to a wine. First, at the crusher in the grape juice – in a powder form, called KMBS. Or, secondly, during the life of the finished wine in a liquid form. In recent years, several companies came out with a very clever sparkling tablet, which releases a predictable amount of sulfur as it dissolves in the wine. Simply put, it protects the wine from spoilage during its time in a tank, barrel or bottle.
Jane: What is your goal, in relation to sulfites, in crafting our wines?
Alex: My goal is to deliver to our customers blends with just the right pH, acids, alcohols and sulfurs. Our “Free sulfur” content is usually around 25 mg/L at bottling time for…