Is Wine Gluten-Free?
As more and more people are being diagnosed with gluten sensitivities and celiac disease, there has been a growing concern among consumers about whether or not wine is gluten-free. Wine is often thought of as a “safe” option for those with gluten sensitivities because it’s made from grapes and not grains. However, the truth is more complex. In this article, we will explore the science behind wine and gluten, the labelling laws, the list of gluten-free wines, cross-contamination risks, and expert opinions on the topic.
The Science Behind Wine and Gluten
Wine is made from grapes that go through a fermentation process, which turns the natural sugars in the grapes into alcohol. During the process, various ingredients are added, such as yeast, sulfites, and clarifying agents. There is no gluten in grapes or yeast, so one would assume that wine is inherently gluten-free.
However, some of the ingredients used in wine-making can contain gluten. For example, some winemakers add a wheat-based clarifying agent called “fining” to their wine, which binds to particles and clarifies the wine. Additionally, some oak barrels used for aging wine have been sealed with wheat paste in the past. These factors can potentially introduce gluten into the wine.
Several research studies have been conducted to test the gluten content of wine. A study conducted in 2015 tested 56 wine samples and found no detectable levels of gluten in any of them. Another study in 2016 tested 22 wine samples and found only trace amounts of gluten in one of them. While the results are promising, it’s important to note that the testing methods used may not have been sensitive enough to detect all forms of gluten.
The Labelling Laws
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the labelling of gluten in food products. Wine falls under the purview of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which has adopted the FDA’s standards for labelling gluten in alcohol products.
Wines that contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten can be labelled as “gluten-free” or “made with gluten-free ingredients.” Wines that contain more than 20 ppm of gluten must be labelled as “contains gluten.”
When looking for gluten-free wines, it’s important to read the label carefully. Wines that are labelled gluten-free are safe options for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. However, wines that are labelled “made with gluten-free ingredients” may still have been processed in a facility that also processes gluten-containing products and may be at risk of cross-contamination.
The List of Gluten-Free Wines
While there is no definitive list of gluten-free wines, there are some wines that are known to be safe options for those with gluten sensitivities. These include:
- Most red, white, and sparkling wines made from grapes
- Champagne
- Sherry
- Certain brands of hard cider
It’s important to note that flavoured wines, such as those with added fruit or spices, may not be gluten-free due to the addition of potential gluten-containing ingredients.
When selecting a gluten-free wine, it’s important to also consider the quality and taste of the wine, not just its gluten-free status. To help with this, here are some tasting notes and food pairing suggestions for the previously listed gluten-free wines:
- Red wines: Cabernet Sauvignon (pairs well with beef), Pinot Noir (pairs well with salmon), Zinfandel (pairs well with barbecue)
- White wines: Sauvignon Blanc (pairs well with seafood), Chardonnay (pairs well with chicken), Pinot Grigio (pairs well with light pasta dishes)
- Sparkling wines: Prosecco (pairs well with cheese), Champagne (pairs well with oysters), Cava (pairs well with paella)
- Hard cider: Magners Original (pairs well with barbecue), Angry Orchard Crisp Apple (pairs well with pork), Wyder’s Pear Cider (pairs well with spicy dishes)
Cross-Contamination Risks
While some winemakers take precautions to prevent cross-contamination of their products, others may not. Facilities that also process gluten-containing products may be at a higher risk of cross-contamination with gluten.
If you are concerned about cross-contamination, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of accidentally consuming gluten through wine. First, stick to wines that are labelled gluten-free. If you are unsure about the facility where the wine was produced, contact the winemaker directly to ask about their production processes. You can also look for wines that are certified gluten-free by organizations such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Expert Opinions
Wine experts, doctors, and nutritionists have weighed in on the topic of gluten in wine.
According to Dr. Sheila Crowe, a professor of medicine and gastroenterology at the University of California, San Diego, most people with celiac disease can tolerate gluten-free wine without issue. She notes that the levels of gluten in wine are generally quite low, and any potential reactions may be due to other ingredients in the wine.
Wine expert Madeline Puckette, co-founder of the popular wine website Wine Folly, recommends that those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities stick to pure grape wines and avoid any flavoured or fortified wines. She also suggests looking for wines that are labelled gluten-free or that have been certified by a gluten-free organization.
Debunking Common Myths
There are several common myths and misconceptions about gluten in wine, such as the belief that all wines are gluten-free because they’re made from grapes. However, as we’ve explored in this article, certain wine-making ingredients and processes can introduce gluten into the final product.
Another myth is that red wines are more likely to contain gluten than white wines because they are aged in oak barrels. However, most oak barrels used for wine-making are sealed with paraffin, not wheat paste, and are therefore unlikely to introduce gluten into the wine.
Conclusion
While wine is generally considered a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities, there are still some factors to consider when selecting a wine. Be sure to read the label carefully, select wine varieties that are known to be gluten-free, and take precautions to avoid cross-contamination. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a glass of wine without worrying about the gluten content.
