You'll end up with a fresher-tasting glass—and removing sulfites may even help with congestion or flushed skin.
How to Remove Sulfites from Wine the Easy Way
Updated Aug. 29, 2024
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.
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.
The Best Apps to Serve with Your Wine
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.
Find the best wine and cheese pairings you need for every cheese board, party platter and picnic.
Strawberry Ricotta BruschettaWine pairing: Zinfandel
Zinfandel brings berries' subtle flavors to life thanks to its sweet, fruity profile.
Fresh Fruit SalsaWine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
Light, refreshing, and citrus-forward wine will bring out the fruity flavors of mango, melon and pineapple salsa.
Riesling and Swiss Cheese FondueCheese lovers are sure to enjoy dipping into this rich and fancy Swiss cheese fondue recipe sparked with Riesling. It makes a savory, no-fuss appetizer for the holidays. Don’t be surprised when the pot is scraped clean! —Angela Spengler, Niceville, Florida
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.
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So Very Berry Brie
Wine pairing: Malbec
Malbec's notes of jammy berries will bring this appetizer's raspberry flavor to center stage.
California RollMaking your own California sushi roll is surprisingly easy. You'll need a bamboo mat, sushi rice and nori sheets to get started, and with a bit of practice, you'll be a pro in no time.
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.
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Orange Shrimp MojoWine 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.
Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese BallWine pairing: Madeira
With a nutty flavor profile, this red is sure to highlight this appetizer's tasty toasted pecans.
Mini Burgers with the WorksI started preparing these mini burgers several years ago as a creative way to use up bread crusts accumulating in my freezer. They're delicious. —Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont
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.
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Originally Published: December 03, 2019
