We are often asked if there is any difference between an 'organic wine' and a 'wine made from organically-grown grapes'? The answer is yes, there is a difference, and one that may be of particular interest to those who suffer from asthma. Let us explain:

An 'organic wine' is made from certified organic grapes and is bottled without any preservatives. The main wine preservative is sulphur dioxide. Sulphur dioxide is used by 99% of all winemakers, both conventional and organic, except that organic growers tend to use less. However, even when only a tiny amount of sulphur dioxide has been used in the cellar, an organic grower may describe the wine as 'made from organically grown grapes' but not as an 'organic wine'.

And asthmatics? They are particularly sensitive to sulphur dioxide (which also crops up in fruit juices, salad dressings and many other natural products which spoil quickly) and may suffer allergic reactions (headaches) as a result. The percentage of organic producers making organic or 'preservative-free' wines remains tiny, however, but is increasing.

European Law states that all wines from organic grapes, whether preservation-free or otherwise, can be described as 'wines made organically-grown grapes'. This is because European organic law covers only organic practices in the vineyard, but not the winery where the grapes are 'processed', or fermented. Confused? So are we, but hopefully the European law makers will one day do the Americans do, which is to recognise the difference between 'organic wine' and 'wine made from organically-grown grapes', allowing you to make a more informed choice.