RED WINE HEADACHES

     These headaches are often accompanied by nausea and flushing that occurs in many people after drinking even a single glass of red wine. It's not associated with the consumption of white wine or other alcoholic beverages. No one knows for certain why this occurs. It probably has more than one cause.
     Many people have assumed its caused by sulfites, but this is not the case. Almost all wines contain sulfites. Many white wines contain more sulfites than red wines. There are sulfite sensitive people who have asthma problems from Red wine, but there are also a slew of other things they can not have which have sulfites whether its added or naturally occurring.
     Some experts claim that it can be caused by Histamines, Tannins, Serotonin and other enzymes that people cannot metabolize. Many experts say to try taking a Claritin an hour before or to drink a cup of black tea.

Foods containing Sulfites: Beer, Cookies, Crackers, Pickles, Olives, Salad dressing, Vinegar, Sugar, Shrimp, Scallops, Fruit Juice and Lunch Meats.

Foods containing Tannins: Tea, Soy and Chocolate.
There are certain wine styles with less sulfites and tannins. This is due to reduced Maceration time. Example: Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Gamay, Tempranillo, Dolcetto and Barbera.

References:
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Harvard Health Letter
Tareq Khan M.D.

SPRINGTIME AND WINE

If you have not already used all your energy from the first burst of Springtime sunshine, on mundane things like yard work, then why not use it for some refreshing wine drinking. Most wines are as seasonal as food and clothing. So if your already updating from sweaters to sundresses then its time to update your wine wardrobe also. This a great time for sipping on and focusing on refreshing new white wines with high acidity and my favorite  Roses. Springtime inspires foods and holidays that reflect the life and love of the wine. Springtime menus vary as widely as the holidays. Easter menus can be so lovely and lively with ham, cheese potatoes, cranberry salad and Cinnamon are so calling for Pinot Noir, dry Riesling or a good sparkling Rose. The best lesson is to focus on the main protein of your meal.