Headache??

For some people a glass of red wine might be an invitation to a splitting headache! Some of you have had bad experiences after drinking red wine and have heard that sulfites are to blame because your system is sensitive to this element. Let's face it, sometimes when you are at a party with friends that glass of fine red wine is just too tempting to pass up, you think that just one or two sips won't hurt, and then the 'hurt' begins. A little background: sulfites are a naturally occurring compound that nature uses to prevent the microbial growth (microbial ecology include yeast, fungi and bacteria which all contribute to wine production and the fermentation process), found on grapes and are a natural by-product of yeast fermentation of grape skins. Sorry if I got a little technical there... Winemakers may add sulfites to kill any bacteria which may occur in the wine making process. Without them wine will not age properly and may turn to vinegar as quickly as within six months. However, wine drinkers who complain of the 'red wine headache' may be surprised to know that sulfites are not to blame. We eat many foods such as lunch meat, fruit juices, pizza dough, jams, and even frozen potatoes which contain more sulfites than red wine, so based on this, it might be hard to blame the wine. The little known fact is that white wine contains a larger concentration of sulfites than red wine and given that scenario white wine should induce even more severe headaches. However, one rarely hears any such complaint among white wine drinkers. Another myth is that European wines are free from sulfites. The fact is most European wine makers often add more sulfites to their wines than necessary, in order to prolong life in the bottle. So what is the culprit for this ongoing 'red wine headache' phenomenon? The research suggests that a culprit might be histamine which is another chemical that is naturally present in wine. Histamines are found in many food products, but mostly in fermented foods and beverages, and are more common in red wines than in white wines. While histamines are found in grape skins, researchers believe that they are not found in high enough volumes to be considered problematic. Believe it or not, histamines are found naturally in many foods such as fish, chocolate, cheese, and tomatoes among others and once again, the level of histamines in wine is actually lower than in the foods I just mentioned. Each person who is affected by red wine headaches should keep a log of the wines they taste and the affects that each wine has. As you look over your records, you can determine which varietals and regions are problematic and which are safe. If red wines are a problem, thankfully there are plenty of great white wines to try. And, finally, don’t confuse a red wine headache with the headache that comes six hours after a full evening of drinking. That is usually called a hangover! Time for aspirin...

Here are some spring Sauvignon Blanc sippers that range from simple everyday to special occasion bottles.

Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc Lake County 2009 ($10.00)
A vibrant style with passion fruit, lime and grapefruit notes...very refreshing, clear and crisp.

Brander Sauvignon Blanc Santa Ynez 2010 ($14.00)
Here is a balanced wine with themes of fresh pear and citrus...a wee bit of minerals and grass.

Rochioli Sauvignon Blanc Russian river Valley 2009 (38.00)
Impressively focus wine with mineral accented orange, lemon and floral aromas...long easy finish.

Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2010 ($27.00)
An interesting and complex wine with floral, herbal and melon aromas...slightly creamy mouth feel.

Cheers!