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International News

use of sulfur dioxide (SO2). You are certainly not impact an organic wine and hence is not permit-
going to find an organic aged Bordeaux or Pinot ted. Another rule is that additional sulfites cannot
Noir that is organic. Alas, most wine enthusiasts be added to organic wine and if so, it will not be
understand this and know when purchasing organ- deemed organic by the National Organic Program.
ic wines that the lifespan is short therefore, these
wines are meant to be enjoyed upon purchase. The A wine bottle labeled as “Made with Organic
distinction of what constitutes an organic wine is Grapes” signifies that this vintner used organic
not universal and differs from country to country. grapes for their wine but there are added sulfites.
The United States has taken on a more stringent Winemakers who choose to produce wines with
approach than Europe and Canada. preservatives are permitted to use non-native
yeasts (yeast that is not organic) during fermenta-
tion. They may also use up to 100 parts per million
What is Organic Wine? additional sulfites. In Canada and Europe, sulfites
are allowed and this distinction is made on wine
Since the designation of organic wine varies labels. If you see a wine labeled “100% Organic” in
around the world, it is a case of it depends on Canada, this means that it is made with certified
where you live. This requires consumers to do their organic grapes and does not contain added sulfites.
due diligence and research to understand that not A regulation distinction that falls in line with the
all organic wines, although placed in the organic regulations found in the US. A wine with this certi-
wine section, are made the same. Some organic fication would be permitted for sale in the US since
wines may contain sulfites. If an allergy or sensi- it meets the strict requirements.
tivity is a concern, then knowing how to read wine
labels is essential. You might be wondering, what
exactly are sulfites? Sulfites are preservatives used Not All Wines Are Made Equal
to maintain freshness and prevent bacteria growth,
and in the case of wine, to reduce oxidation. The European Union has allowed the terminology
“organic wine” on wines made with organic grapes
Sulfites also influence the taste and appearance of but contain sulfites. Whereas organic wine in the
wine and increase shelf life. So that well-aged full- US must contain less than 20 parts per million of
body vintage wine contains this preservative. For total sulfites to get an organic seal of approval. This
some people, sulfites are a sensitivity or allergen departure in regulation has limited European win-
that may result in side effects. This ranges from eries who consider their wine as organic to enter
a headache to a rash, hives, stomach pain, swell- the US market and be designated as such. Vintners
ing, and in severe cases anaphylaxis. Wine free of in France and Canada, for example, countries that
added sulfites is favorable for individuals with this both allow for some leniencies. Argue that addi-
concern. Keep in mind that even organic wine con- tives permit stabilization and longevity of wines. No
tains a small amount of naturally occurring sulfites. preservatives mean these wines have a short lifes-
pan — only a few years after bottling.
In the US, wines that are labeled organic must be
made with organically grown grapes. Winemakers The solution would be to pivot the same way the
adhere to the rules and regulations of organic food industry has and look for organic preservatives
farming therefore, the use of fungicides, pesticides, to maintain the integrity of the wine. It is hard to
chemical fertilizers, and herbicides is not allowed. change a processing practice that has proven fruit-
The same standard used to evaluate organic foods ful and effective. Further, this niche wine selection
by the United States Agriculture department is used is still in its infancy. Perhaps the growth in organic
to assess organic wines. There is no acceptance wine consumption in places like France, where
for simply using organic grapes. It also extends to the drinking of organic wine has seen a dramat-
how the wine is harvested and the yeast utilized ic increase in the last few years and continues to
for fermentation. Also, how the wine is stored must grow. May usher in an innovative way to preserve
follow organic processing standards to receive a wines. Germany is the leading organic wine-grow-
USDA organic certification. Before storage potas- ing country. Vintners in Germany could take the
sium metabisulfite is used to sterilize and sanitize helm and steer this aim in the right direction. If
non-organic wine barrels which would, in turn, it can be done in the food industry, it is only a

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