KEY POINTS:
Wine can be a real headache for some or bring on wheezing, sneezing, hives or even allergic reactions.
Alcohol (ethanol) itself is rarely the culprit. However, there are a number of other components present in wine that can cause intolerances. A common complaint is the "red wine headache", which could well be brought on by a reaction to histamine, found at higher levels in red wines than white.
Salicylate is another chemical that occurs in grapes as well as a number of other natural products, which can trigger rashes and eczema. Sulphites, contained in grapes and derived from sulphur (SO2) added during the winemaking process have also been linked to migraines, as well as tight chestedness and coughs in asthma sufferers in particular.
Then there's the fish and dairy products often used for fining wines, which along with sulphites now have to be flagged up on the wine's label. However, whether enough of these fining agents remain in the finished wine to cause any reaction is questionable.
While some intolerances may mean having to forego wine altogether, happily others can be worked around. Vincent St Aubyn Crump of the Auckland Allergy Clinic sees a number of people with allergic reactions to wine and advises that "a non-sedating antihistamine before drinking can sometimes be helpful in treating these reactions".
Selecting more suitable styles of wine can also help. For example, those sensitive to sulphites would do well to go for reds instead of cask wines and whites, which tend to have higher sulphur levels. Organic wines are also required to use less sulphur.
But a lack of availability of these wines in the country may well mean that many allergy sufferers are simply being forced to go without.
Natural alternatives
COSMIC CUVEE
Philippe Viret Solstice V, Vin de Table de France 2005 $19.90
As well as avoiding the addition of sulphur to their wines, this estate practises a mystical form of winegrowing called cosmoculture _ akin to biodynamics but with additional methods of harnessing cosmic forces. However, you don't have to understand the philosophy or even be sensitive to sulphur to enjoy this earthy spicy blend of southern French varieties.
From Wine Circle.
ORGANIC OPTION
Richmond Plains Nelson Pinot Noir 2006 $19.90
This easy-drinking organic Pinot, with its soft spicy cherry and plum fruit, has seen less sulphur than most, clocking in well under the already lower approved levels permitted in organic wines.
From fine wine stores including Blend, Wine Vault, New World Freemans Bay, Caro's, Ceres Organics.
SULPHUR-FREE CHAMPERSDRAPPIER BRUT NATURE PINOT NOIR ZERO DOSAGE NV $71
A sulphur-free Champagne for sensitive souls looking to celebrate without side effects. Fresh and fine, with apple and raspberry over a yeasty biscuity base, it's rich but almost bone-dry as no sugar or SO2 has been added.
Limited stocks from Glengarry.
