A tasting room question that leads to some investigation

A recent customer asked if our wines contained any sulfites.  'Hhhmm, yes some of them do,' I answered.  'Okay, I need to avoid those, those wines will give me a major headache since I'm allergic to them, so don't pour me any of those,' he said.  Noted!  But, his simple request sent me on a research mission. 

Does a sulfite allergy really exist?

Is the allergic reaction a headache?

Do ALL wines contain sulfites?

As we approach one of the biggest drinking celebrations in our culture (New Year's Eve), I thought I'd shed a bit of light for those of you looking to avoid starting 2012 with a pounding headache.

Let's start with what is a sulfite.  Simply put, it's a type of acid that is added to various foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals for the purpose of preservation.  It's common in wine, but it's also commonly used in dried fruit.

Sulfite allergies really do exist in 1 out of 100 people.  However a real allergic response is not a headache.  It can be as minor as a rash to something as major as loss of consciousness. Typically the reaction is in the asthmatic category.

So now we have released the headache from the sulfite idea, what does cause the quick onset of a headache after drinking certain wines (most commonly the ones that are red in color).  Substances within the wine itself such as histamines, tyramine, and phenolic flavonoids can, and likely are, the culprits.  The good news is that taking aspirin or ibuprofin prior to drinking wine can significantly reduce any ill effects caused by these substances.  Also worth noting is that slipping in a cup of black tea during the course of wine drinking can also reduce any negative reactions.

So now we all know!  Happy 2012 from Lost Creek Winery where we are looking at some exciting changes in the coming year!  Stay tuned! 

Let's go wine tasting! Try LSITS for a better experience!

It certainly is more fun and a lot easier than the LSATS!  But if you want to improve your wine tasting experience, consider committing the L.S.I.T.S. to memory for the next time you are in a tasting room. 

Broken down, LSITS stands for:

Look - LOOK at what's in your wine glass, ideally against a white background.  Look for color, clarity, and cling.  If it's cloudy/hazy, something is not right. 

Sniff - Quickly give the wine a sniff.  Swirl the wine, then sniff again.  What are your first impressions?  What is your nose telling your brain to expect from the bouquet/nose/note/forward?

Inhale deeply - Did you know that 80% of our tasting process is determined by what we smell?  Get your nose down into the glass and really take a noseful in. 

Taste - Finally...taste it!  Let a sip roll around on your tongue.  Allow the flavors to mingle on your palate.  Don't gulp!  Leave enough in your glass to take a second taste.  You'll be pleasantly surprised how much your second taste may not always taste the same as your initial one.

Swallow & Savor - After you swallow your sip, what is the 'finish' like?  What is left in your mouth?  Sweetness?  Jamminess?  Tannins?  Does it change when you take that first breath in?  How would various foods change the finish?

Beware the power of suggestion whether it be from the one pouring the wine, the company you keep, or strangers at the bar.  Wine tasting and determining what you like/taste/think should be a personal and subjective experience.  While wine tasting is a social experience, better enjoyed by others (whether they be novices or experts) be careful of letting the perception of others influence your experience with a wine.

Cheers!