Unlocking the Secrets of Wine: What's Really Inside and Why it Matters

Unlocking the Secrets of Wine: What's Really Inside and Why it Matters

The Earth Wine | Natural Wine Journal 

Hey there, wine enthusiasts! If you've ever wondered about the secrets hiding in your wine glass, you're not alone. At the heart of the matter is the lack of ingredient lists on wine bottles, leaving us in the dark about what goes into our favorite vino.

In the world of natural wine, transparency is the name of the game. Unlike conventional wines that keep their ingredient lists under wraps, natural winemakers strive to spill the beans on what goes into their creations. Picture this: grapes, a touch of sulfur, and perhaps a hint of copper—simple and pure.

Additives Unveiled

But, hold on! In the conventional wine scene, it's like searching for a needle in a haystack to find an ingredients list. To shed some light, let's dive into the world of additives. Here's a glimpse into a dozen of them and what they bring to the wine party:

  • Dimethyl Dicarbonate: Stabilizes and sterilizes wine
  • Acetaldehyde: Keeps color stable
  • Calcium Carbonate: Reduces acidity
  • Albumen (Egg Whites): Acts as a fining agent
  • Isinglass (Dried Fish Bladders): Used for clarification
  • Gelatin: Another clarifying agent
  • Sugar: Boosts alcohol content and sweetness (chapitalization)
  • Yeast: Kick-starts fermentation
  • Copper Sulfate: Wards off hydrogen sulfide
  • Glucose Oxidase: Clarifies and stabilizes
  • Milk Products (Whole, Skim, ½ and ½ Milk): Fining agent
  •   

    Photo: https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/wine-additives-explained/

    Read more on winefolly

    And there you have it—a sneak peek into the additives that may find their way into your wine. But wait, there's more! Over 60 additives are legally allowed in the U.S. winemaking process. If you're curious, check out the full list on Alice Feiring's website.

    Now, let's switch gears for a moment. It's not all gloom and doom in the world of additives. Consider this: additives became essential during the mass-production era to ensure food stability. The WHO emphasizes the importance of additives for large-scale food production, a world away from homemade cooking.

    Natural Wine Takes a Different Path

    Here's the kicker: natural wine takes a different path. It's not about mass production; it's about the journey from grape to cellar to bottle. Natural winemakers champion minimal intervention, letting the terroir shine through. Sure, some natural winemakers use a dash of sulfites, but it's a far cry from the levels allowed in conventional wine.

    Natural Wine

    In essence, natural wine is a celebration of authenticity, where additives take a back seat. It's a journey guided by the winemaker, allowing the grapes to speak for themselves. So, next time you uncork a bottle, remember, it's not just about the wine; it's about the story behind it. Cheers to the grape-to-glass adventure! 🍇🍷

    For our friends in Hong Kong, you can now order additive-free wines directly from our online shop, The Earth Wine. We guarantee that these wines are crafted exclusively from organic grapes, with absolutely zero additives incorporated into the winemaking process. Enjoy the true essence of wine without the worry of waking up with a headache the next day.

    Here are some natural wines with No Added Sulphur! available at The Earth Wine that you must try:

    1. PINQBRACCIA RESEBraccia Rese's Rosé Frizzante is a unique and rare wine made from 100% Quagliano grapes, found only in San Martino and neighbouring Ceretto di Costigliore Saluzzo. With a moderate tannin structure and a strong fruity flavor, this dry and slightly sparkling wine is perfect for pairing with cheese, uncured ham, and meat dishes. And the best part? It's sulfite-free!

    2. Galipette 2022PUEYOPet Nat, my affection! Galipette in the language of romance! Born from Semillon and Muscadelle grapes, this sparkling jewel is entirely sulfite-free. Uniting two Bordeaux minority grapes, they radiate as luminous stars in this refashioned delight. Fragile hints of white flowers, chamomile, and spring herbs compose a spirited bouquet, while the palate unfolds a creamy opulence with a subtle bready undertone. A wine so captivating that, once uncorked, the sipping becomes unstoppable, a seamless experience that unfolds unnoticed. Galipette is not just a wine; it's an affair of the senses, a cascade of flavors that beckons for an encore.

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