🍷 Low-Sulfur Wines: What’s the Buzz All About?

If you’ve ever seen the phrase “no added sulfites” on a wine label and wondered what it means, you’re not alone! Let’s uncork the story behind these bottles.

Sulfites (or sulfur dioxide) have been used in winemaking for centuries to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage. But in recent years, more winemakers have been exploring low- or no-added-sulfur options, especially in natural and organic wine circles.

Why? Because these wines can offer a more pure expression of the grape and the land it came from. Think of them as less “polished,” more “real”—sometimes a little funky, always interesting.

🙋‍♂️ Is it better for you?
Some people say low-sulfur wines are gentler on their system (especially those who feel sensitive to conventional wines), though sulfite sensitivity is actually pretty rare. Still, it’s a great option if you’re curious about more natural winemaking styles.

🍇 What to expect:

  • Brighter, more lively flavors

  • A touch of unpredictability—every bottle is a little adventure

  • Often organic or biodynamic grapes

A few favorites in this category? Look for producers who focus on minimal intervention, natural winemaking, or “zero-zero” labels (no added anything).

Have you tried a no-added-sulfur wine you loved (or didn’t)? Share it with us—wine is always better with a bit of conversation! 🥂

Here are a few standouts from our shelves that truly embody this approach:

🍇 Dominio do Bibei – Lalama, lacima, lalume (Ribeira Sacra, Spain)
From the now almost cult-status region of Ribeira Sacra near Ourense, this Mencía-based blend is a long-time favorite of ours. Elegant, expressive, and made with minimal sulfur—it’s a beautiful intro to the natural side of Spanish wine.

🌿 Menade – Organic Verdejo (Rueda, Spain)
Winemaker Richard Sanz is known for pioneering sustainable, regenerative viticulture. This low-sulfur white is fresh, light, and zesty with gingery, citrusy edges—a total summer essential.

🍷 Malahierba – Rufete Wines (Sierra de Salamanca, Spain)
For those ready to explore the more obscure side of natural wine, Malahierba crafts expressive, sulfur-free wines from the rare Rufete grape near the Portuguese border. A little confusing, very intriguing.

🍷 Celler Frisach, La Foradada / Sang de Corb (Terra Alta, Spain)
Francesc and his brother make gorgeous, crunchy wines from Grenache (red and white) near Gandesa. These bottles regularly appear on Michelin-star wine lists for a reason.

🌱 Gramenon (Southern Rhône, France)
A cult name in natural wine and a true pioneer—Gramenon’s no-added-sulfur wines are mind-blowing: pure, energetic, and deeply expressive of their terroir.

🍇 Combel-La-Serre (Cahors, France)
Malbec, but not as you know it—these wines are juicy, dark, and sapid with surprisingly smooth tannins. A softer, soulful take on a region known for power.

And that’s just the start… we’ve also got a few treasures from François Chidaine (Loire), Vignes du Maynes (Burgundy), Thierry Germain, and the legendary Marie-ThĂ©rèse Chappaz from Switzerland.

✨ Want to explore the world of low-sulfur wines? You’ll have to come visit us. Nothing beats discovering them in person, glass in hand. Cheers! 🥂