Wine with no added sulphites: what it means, legal limits and myths

Sulphites (SO₂) also form naturally during fermentation, so practically every wine contains some. That is why the correct expression for a wine to which the producer has added none is “no added sulphites”, not “sulphite-free”.

At Terroir Radical we say “no added sulphites” only when the producer confirms it. When a wine has a small dose, for example at bottling, we state the figure.

Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is an antiseptic and antioxidant that has been used in wine for centuries. It protects wine from oxidation and stops unwanted micro-organisms from spoiling it. EU rules set maximum levels according to the type of wine and its residual sugar, and they are lower for organic wine (see our guide to organic wine in the Spanish or Catalan version of this page).

The label must say “contains sulphites” on every wine with more than 10 mg/l; if it does not, the wine has less. To know the exact figure, ask the producer for the total SO₂ (in mg/l), which is the one that counts, and not only the free SO₂.

In France there is the “Vin Méthode Nature”, a specification drawn up by the natural wine syndicate, which the DGCCRF validated in March 2020. It is a private mention recognised in France, not an EU rule. It requires certified organic or biodynamic grapes, hand harvesting and native yeasts, and sets two mentions: “sans sulfites ajoutés” (no SO₂ added) and “avec moins de 30 mg/l de sulfites ajoutés” (an adjustment of at most 30 mg/l total SO₂, which must appear on the logo).

TR's criteria take that figure as a reference: our “minimal sulphites” level goes up to 30 mg/l of total SO₂, and our “no added sulphites” level allows no addition at all. We add a third level, “minimal intervention” (under 50 mg/l of total SO₂), which does not exist in the French system. The full criteria are on our selection criteria page.

It is not a certification, and we do not claim that all our wines meet it: the Vin Méthode Nature requires organic or biodynamic certification, and TR does not require it from its producers. We state the SO₂ when the producer confirms it.

A headache after drinking wine has several causes, and it is not easy to blame a single component. Factors usually mentioned include alcohol, dehydration and biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine). Sulphites can affect some sensitive people, such as people with asthma, which is why they must be declared on the label. If you think you are sensitive, ask a health professional.

Wines with few added sulphites are living wines: they evolve, breathe and can be more sensitive to heat and oxygen. Keep them at a steady temperature (10–16 °C), lying down if they have a cork, away from light and heat, and drink them preferably within 2–3 years. Once opened, within 2–3 days.

What does “no added sulphites” mean? That the producer has not added SO₂ during winemaking. The wine may contain sulphites formed naturally during fermentation, which is why it is not correct to say “sulphite-free”.

How many sulphites does the EU allow in wine? In dry wines (residual sugar < 2 g/l): up to 150 mg/l in reds and 200 mg/l in whites and rosés if conventional; 100 mg/l and 150 mg/l if organic. With more residual sugar, the limits change by category.

How do I know if a wine contains sulphites? The label must say “contains sulphites” if the wine has more than 10 mg/l. For the exact figure, ask the producer for the total SO₂.

Do sulphites cause headaches? A headache cannot be blamed only on sulphites: alcohol, dehydration and biogenic amines also play a part. Some sensitive people may react to sulphites; if in doubt, ask a health professional.

How do you store a wine with few added sulphites? At a steady temperature (10–16 °C), lying down if it has a cork, away from light and heat, and drunk within 2–3 years. Once opened, within 2–3 days.

What is the Vin Méthode Nature? A French mention, validated by the DGCCRF in 2020, for wines from organic or biodynamic grapes with hand harvesting and native yeasts. It allows “sans sulfites ajoutés” or an adjustment of at most 30 mg/l total SO₂. TR uses it as a reference but it is not a TR certification.

Sources: Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (Annex II, part VI) · Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1165 · Vin Méthode Nature. Last reviewed: 7 October 2026.