Why do some wines give you a headache? what is behind the phenomenon?
First, it's important to note that wine-induced headaches are called "wine migraines" and can be caused by multiple factors. One of the main causes is the sulfites in wine. Sulfites are preservatives used to prevent unwanted fermentation and extend the shelf life of wine. However, some people are more sensitive to sulfites and can experience headaches, breathing problems, and other side effects.
In addition, the alcohol content of wine can also cause headaches. Alcohol is a vasodilator, which widens blood vessels in the brain. This can increase intracranial pressure and cause headaches. Additionally, alcohol causes dehydration and can even cause headaches.
The tannins in wine can also cause headaches. Tannins are plant compounds found in grapes and their seeds that give wine its bitter, pungent flavor. However, some people are sensitive to tannins and experience headaches after drinking tannin-rich wines.
Finally, there is a theory that some people may be allergic to wine. This reaction can be triggered by a number of factors, including high levels of sulfites, alcohol, tannins and proteins in the wine.
Ultimately, wine headaches can be caused by several factors. If you are a wine consumer suffering from these ailments, it is important to know that there are sulphite-free or sulphite-reduced wines on the market, take it in moderation and be careful not to dehydrate yourself.
There are several ways to identify wines that won't give you a headache.
Here are some tips:
Look for wines with no added sulfites or wines with minimal added sulfites.
Natural or organic wines often contain fewer sulfites than conventional wines.
Choose a low-alcohol wine . Wines below 12% ABV tend to give fewer headaches than wines above 14% ABV.
Choose wines with few tannins. Wines high in tannins are more likely to cause headaches than wines low in tannins. Bright reds like Pinot Noir and Gamay have more tannins than stronger reds like Barolo and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Consider white wine . White wines tend to have fewer tannins and sulfites than red wines and are less likely to cause headaches. Drink in moderation. Even if you follow all of the advice above, it's important to remember that drinking in moderation is always the key to avoiding headaches.
In general, it's a good idea to refer to the wine label to see how many sulfites, alcohol, and tannins it has. Furthermore, you can ask oenologists and sommeliers for advice to choose the wine that best suits your needs and tastes.
Winemakers add tannins to their wines for a variety of reasons.
Here are some of the most common reasons:
To improve the structure of your wine:
The tannins give structure and body to the wines, making them more balanced and complex. It also helps give the wine a smooth, mellow mouthfeel.
To extend the shelf life of your wine:
Tannins are natural antioxidants that protect wine from oxidation and spoilage. As a result, wines with higher tannin content are more durable and can be stored longer.
To get a specific style of wine:
Winemakers may add tannins to achieve specific wine styles. For example, more structured red wines such as Barolo and Cabernet Sauvignon tend to have higher levels of tannin.
To correct incomplete wines:
In some cases, winemakers add tannins to correct flawed wines. For example, a wine with insufficient acidity can add tannins to increase the acidity and improve the wine's balance.
In general, the addition of tannins to wine is a common practice in oenology, aimed at improving the quality and structure of the wine and at obtaining a particular style of wine. However, it's important to note that some people are sensitive to tannins, so they may experience headaches after drinking tannin-rich wines. Winemakers add sulfites to wine for a variety of reasons.
Here are some of the most common reasons:
As a preservative:
Sulfites are used as a preservative to prevent unwanted fermentation and extend the shelf life of wine. They help prevent the growth of bacteria and molds which can alter the taste and quality of the wine.
As an antioxidant:
Sulfites have natural antioxidant properties that protect wine from oxidation and spoilage. As a result, wines with a high sulfite content are more durable and can be stored longer.
To stabilize the wine:
The sulfites help stabilize the wine, prevent the formation of sediment and preserve the color and flavor of the wine.
To enhance its aroma and flavour:
In some cases, winemakers add sulfites to enhance the aroma and flavor of the wine. For example, sulfites can be added to white wines to enhance their fresh and fruity aromas and flavours.
In general, the addition of sulfites to wine is a common practice in oenology and is used not only to obtain certain styles of wine, but also to improve the quality and shelf life of the wine. However, it is important to note that some people are more sensitive to sulfites and may experience headaches and respiratory problems after drinking sulfite-rich wine. There are therefore wines without sulphites or with minimal addition of sulphites, the so-called natural or organic wines.
Natural wines without added sulphites or tannins are made from high quality grapes, but this is not always the case.
Natural wine is a category of wines that follow some strict production and labeling rules. Natural wines are generally considered more "pure" and less complex than traditional wines, as they do not use additives, selected yeasts or other chemicals to alter the flavor or shelf life of the wine.
When it comes to grapes, natural wines are often made from organically or biodynamically grown grapes, which can improve the quality of the grapes used. But just because a wine is made from quality grapes doesn't mean it's a natural wine.
Natural wines can be of higher quality than traditional wines, but this depends on the quality of the grapes used , the climatic conditions and the ability of the producer to control the fermentation and aging of the wine.
Natural wines are generally appreciated by consumers for their purity and authenticity, but they can have a more pronounced taste and aroma than traditional wines and, to maximize the appreciation of the flavour, it is important to remember that an adjustment period may be required . .
Natural wines with little or no added sulfites and tannins cause fewer headaches than conventional wines with high amounts of them.
Natural wines are typically produced organically or biodynamically, contain no chemical additives or preservatives and therefore contain fewer sulphites. Furthermore, natural wines are often fermented with indigenous yeasts. That is, no selected yeast is added to speed up or modify the fermentation. This can result in lower tannin levels than in traditional wines.
However, it is important to note that some people have allergic reactions or intolerances to natural wines, even if they are free of sulfites and tannins. Also, as mentioned above, natural wines can have a more pronounced taste and aroma than traditional wines and may require an adjustment period to fully appreciate.
If you're sensitive to wine-related headaches, natural wines are generally a good option, as they're less likely to cause these symptoms than traditional wines. It is important to check the tannin levels and, if necessary, ask the oenologist or sommelier for advice to choose the wine that best suits your needs and tastes.
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