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.
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.
Crab CrescentsThis recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California
Wine pairing: Chardonnay
Fluffy crescent rolls and decadent crab meat are a surefire crowd-pleaser when paired with a buttery, creamy-textured Chardonnay.
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Lemony Snack MixI'm on a gluten-restricted diet. I came up with this snack mix one day when I wanted something fast and easy that tasted like lemon bars. It makes a great gift, and folks love the light and fresh citrus flavor. —Patricia Sensenich, Olanthe, Kansas
Wine pairing: Pinot Grigio
A light, citrusy snack and crisp Pinot Grigio go hand in hand to delicately dance atop taste buds.
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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.
Sausage Mushroom AppetizersThese stuffed mushrooms are can't-stop-eating-them good. For variations, I sometimes substitute venison or crabmeat for the pork sausage in the stuffing. —Sheryl Siemonsma, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Wine pairing: Pinot Noir
This classic pairing will fill mouths with hearty umami and earthy flavors.
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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.
Pressure-Cooker Light Deviled EggsOur updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of traditional deviled eggs and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. Light ingredients lower the fat grams even more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Wine pairing: Prosecco
This sparkling wine's crisp, palate-cleansing finish will leave taste buds ready for another decadent deviled egg.
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California Sushi RollsThese taste as good as any restaurant or store-bought California rolls. Plus, this is one of the easiest sushi recipes to make! For the best results, use sushi rice to ensure the right sticky consistency. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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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Apricot WrapsI accumulated a large recipe collection from around the world while my husband served in the Air Force for 25 years. This mouthwatering appetizer is one of our favorites, and we enjoy sharing it with friends. —Jane Ashworth, Beavercreek, Ohio
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.
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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.
Roasted Beetroot and Garlic HummusThis tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario
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.
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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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