Sulfite Sensitivity? Your Guide to Enjoying French Wines Safely

French wines are celebrated worldwide for their elegance and complexity, but for those with sulfite sensitivity, navigating wine lists can be daunting. Sulfites (sulfur dioxide) are common preservatives in winemaking, preventing spoilage and oxidation. While EU regulations cap sulfite levels lower than many regions, French wines still contain them—especially whites and sweet varieties.

Understanding Sulfites in French Winemaking

Sulfites occur naturally during fermentation, but additional sulfites are often added. Sensitive individuals may experience headaches, breathing difficulties, or skin reactions. Contrary to myth, sulfites rarely cause wine headaches alone (histamines or tannins often share blame), but reactions remain valid concerns.

Choosing Safer French Wines

• Organic & Biodynamic Wines: Look for "Vin Biologique" labels, restricting added sulfites (≤100 ppm for reds, ≤150 ppm for whites).
• Natural Wines: Seek "Vin Naturel" or "Sans Sulfites Ajoutés" (no added sulfites) on menus—common in Parisian wine bars.
• Red Over White: Tannins in reds act as natural stabilizers, requiring fewer sulfites than whites or dessert wines like Sauternes.

How mm food App Takes the Guesswork Out

Planning a Paris bistro visit? Set your dietary profile in mm food to "sulfite sensitivity." Our AI scans translated menus in real-time, flagging low-sulfite options based on:

1. Wine descriptors (e.g., "naturel," "non filtré").
2. Certifications (organic/biodynamic labels).
3. Regional trends (e.g., natural Loire Valley whites).

No more squinting at French labels—get instant, reliable suggestions tailored to your needs. Embrace French wine culture confidently, sans the sulfite stress!

Always consult a doctor for severe reactions. Sulfite sensitivity varies; mm food provides guidance, not medical advice.