Health benefits of organic wine... Worth the buy?

If you’re like me, you enjoy a glass of red wine every now and then.  However, as much as I love my vino I’ve noticed increased sensitivity to it over time. 

As a lover of all things organic, I wanted to explore the benefits of an organic red wine to see if my sensitivity would decrease. 

Is it just about trendy labeling or is there really something to organic wine?

First, there are a few things to distinguish: Is the wine labeled USDA certified organic or does the label read, "made with organic grapes"?  So, what you need to know is if the wine carries a USDA certified organic label then the grapes were farmed organically and any other ingredients such as yeast must also be organic.  Furthermore, additional sulfites are not added as a preservative.  

So, let me pause here for a moment and discuss sulfites because this is a big deal for those who are sensitive to them.  Sulfites are occur naturally in all wines but more may be added to control fermentation time and act as a preservative.  Without sulfites, wine may turn into vinegar.  (If you’ve even had a home grown wine you may have noticed a tinge of vinegar in the taste). Organic wines have fewer sulfites because none have been added and those who are sensitive MAY be better able to tolerate a USDA organic wine.  

(People with sulfite sensitivities may experience itchy skin, rash or hives, wheezing, cough, chest tightness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headaches and blood sugar reactions.  It's important to note that sulfites are not just in wine but added to many other foods.)  

Now, if the just the grape are organic this means exactly that.... just the grapes used are organic but sulfites may have been added.  

So it really boils down to the quantity of sulfites.  There are many superb wines that have loads of sulfites so you just have to evaluate how your body tolerates them.

Either way, I can assure you that I'll continue to enjoy a glass of conventional wine, certified organic wine or wine made from organic grapes.... just as long as it's good and my body approves.

I hope this was insightful!

Blessings...