September 14, 2006

Avoid Wine Headaches by Choosing Wisely

We have more than one friend who has sworn off wine because they get blinding headaches when they drink it. Not necessarily a hangover even - like right after they take a sip. A lot of times people blame sulfites and other chemicals in the wine, but it turns out it's probably a sensitivity to phenolics.

According to the article we found, phenolics are compounds "found in the skins, stems and pips of grapes," to which a lot of people have bad reactions. Most people with the sensitivity will avoid red wines, but some white wines contain them too. Others avoid cheaper wines, thinking the lower price tag is to blame, but it turns out that's not the case:

But here's some unexpected cheer: it's not actually the cheap reds that will give you problems! The wines with more extracts from the grapes and that spend more time in the barrel are more likely to be the pricier, labour-intensive blockbusters. Embrace your new wine preferences and enjoy the savings.

If these red wines still cause headaches, stick to unoaked whites (typically any white but a chardonnay). Avoid fortified wines (such as port and Rutherglen muscat) like the plague.

from The Sydney Morning Herald

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