As you start developing a trained green, consumer eye and become a savvy label reader, you’ll notice in the wine world there are quite a few wines that are “made with organic grapes,” and few carry the USDA’s certified organic seal. Certified organic wines are a rare find on store shelves. So what’s the difference between these two wine labels? I get this question all the time and here’s your answer.
The National Organic Program (NOP), has set the same standards for wine as it has for food. USDA certification is strict. It guarantees that grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides or chemicals; and the wine is processed without added sulfites or sulfur dioxide. Bottom line, you can’t add preservatives to certified organic food products or wines. And sulfites are considered by the USDA a preservative.
Certified organic wines, can have naturally occurring sulfites (all wines contain naturally occurring sulfites as a byproduct of the fermentation process), but the total sulfite level must be less than 20 parts per million. So for the for those who are super-sensitive to sulfites (asthma sufferers, for example), certified organic wines are the way to go. If sulfites are added to the wine and the total count of sulfites in the wine is taken above 10 parts per million, it must make the statement, “Contains Sulfites.”
There are four wineries in California that take the additional step of processing their wine without added sulfites and are certified organic. They are Frey Vineyards, Coates Vineyards in Orleans, La Rocca Vineyards in Forest Ranch, and Organic Wine Works.
If you want to buy organic wines that don’t contain added sulfites, my top tip is to read the label. The ingredients and process used to make the wine will determine the label it carries.
Check out our articles and videos on organic wines:
Red Organic Wine Tasting – Episode 19
Wine and Cheese Tasting – Episode 23
Organic Vines for Better Wines
Interviews with Two Italian Organic Winemakers
Winter Organic Wine Pairings
Organic Wine Crush and Fermentation DIY Wine Making
Organic Wine-A-Tasting DIY Wine Making
Tags: Organic Wine, sulfites, toxins, wine
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[...] Do Certified Organic Wines Contain Sulfites? « OrganicAuthority … [...]
[...] Do Certified Organic Wines Contain Sulfites? « OrganicAuthority … [...]
I’m not sure if the do.
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I was studying something else about this on another blog. Interesting, your position on it is diametrically contradicted to what I read before. I’m still contemplating over the various points of view, but I’m tipped heavily toward yours. And regardless, that’s what is so good about modern democracy and the marketplace of thoughts on-line.
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I am not sure as I have not had it.
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Took me time to read all the comments, but I enjoyed the article. Very helpful article! Makes total sense. It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! I’m sure you had fun writing this article.
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I have a similar blog and i can’t think of anything that can stop them, They drive you mad don’t they!! Anyway back to the article, I would buy organic every day of the week.
There are four wineries in California that take the additional step of processing their wine without added sulfites and are certified organic. They are Frey Vineyards, Coates Vineyards in Orleans, La Rocca Vineyards in Forest Ranch, and Organic Wine Works.
My favorite comes from Frey Vineyards. the wines are wonderfull.
Does anyone know of a website which offers only organic wines? I think it would be a great idea.
Does anyone know of a website which offers only organic wines? I think it would be a great idea. Let me know.
What an excellent website, would be nice to have a link to just organic wine site.