Important safety note

[pbray]

White wine = migraines. Just say No. There was a reason you switched to drinking reds, remember?

(It's a sulfite sensitivity, more pronounced with certain types of white wines. And I can't believe I had to do this to myself twice within a month to remember that this was the problem.)

Comments

Re: interesting...

[lagilman]

All wine contains sulfites -- there seems to be a lot of misinformation about which has more -- I was taught that reds carried more because they were in longer contact with the skins during maceration, but some sources now claim that whites have more. No matter the grape, it's all part of the fermentation process, so pretty much impossible to avoid. Organic wines [nor organically-grown) are the best options if you have a sensitivity, but even they're going to have some.

[rant mode on]
Yes people, sulfites are NATURAL part of the wine, not an artificial additive, although some wineries do increase the level to ensure the wine ages well. Yes, European wines, too. They just weren't all required by law to say they contained sulfites. A wine without sulfites will not last very long (a few months before it turns to vinegar) -- hence part of why reds age better than whites [massively simplified] and why people with sulfite sensitivities should usually stick to younger whites [and reds]. However, they should also avoid dried fruits and processed cheese [and garlic, I think], too! A true sulfite allergy can give you far worse reactions than just a headache!

[/end rant]


edited for clarification