Hypersensitivity and reactions to foreign substances (allergens). The consumption of tyramine- and histamine-rich foods can be the cause of headaches (migraines). Caution is advised with genuine sulphite allergy sufferers. For them, even minimal amounts of sulphur can trigger "sulphite asthma". They should avoid wine and other alcoholic drinks containing sulphur. The symptoms can be similar to asthma and include itching, hives, runny nose and a drop in blood pressure. Around 10% of asthmatics are "sulphite allergy sufferers".
Wine can also contain allergenic substances. These are mainly protein compounds (if these substances are used in wine), histamine, sorbitol and tyramine (especially in red wines with BSA), sulphur (contained in almost every wine) and also the alcohol (ethanol) itself. However, there are different limits in the mg/l range for each substance. A list of all substances with limit values can be found under ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake).
Labelling obligation
In accordance with EU regulations, wines, sparkling wines, fruit wines and aromatised wines have been treated as foodstuffs since 8 December 2023 (see Nutritional value). Certain substances must be labelled with an indication of the quantity.
All cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley), milk, eggs, celery, mustard, sulphur, peanuts, nuts (almonds, nuts, pistachios, etc.), sesame, soya beans, lupins, molluscs, fish and crustaceans as well as products thereof are considered allergenic substances. They must be labelled with the text "contains..." supplemented by the allergen. These are, for example, albumin (egg), lysozyme (egg), casein (milk), as well as potassium bisulphite, potassium metabisulphite and sulphur dioxide, i.e. sulphites (with regard to sulphur content). Only the ELISA method is authorised to determine the content.
Vegan wine
Today, wines are already being produced that fulfil certain requirements for diabetics and vegetarians or vegans, but they may not be labelled as diabetic wine, etc. In 2007, NASA scientist Richard Mathies found a method of quickly recognising headache-inducing components in wine. The potentially problematic substances histamine and tyramine contained in red wines can be detected using a sensor.
Further information
The quantities of alcohol that are probably not harmful to health when consumed regularly are described under Health. See also the keywords alcoholism, prohibition, intoxication and drinking culture.
