One of the main concerns for consumers nowadays is the use of preservatives in food products. Although a necessary evil sometimes, still that does not alleviate people’s fears on the danger they might represent to human health.
Such is the case with wine and the use of sulphur, which dates dates back to Roman times, when sulphur was burnt in storage vessels before filling to prevent spoilage of wine. More recently Sulphur Dioxide was introduced directly into wine to take advantage of its remarkable properties.
Why Sulphur?
Sulphur Dioxide is mainly used for its anti-oxidant and anti-microbial qualities. This means that it will inhibit the growth of unwanted yeast and bacteria as well as binding to oxygen, since excess oxygen causes wine to spoil. In addition to these properties, Sulphur is considered low irritant and easy to detect if present in high quantities.
Despite the obvious benefits, there are some people who are allergic to sulphur. Some are sensitive to sulphur dioxide, commonly known as sulphites/sulfites, but may not even be aware of this fact and tend to attribute these reactions to “hangovers”. Reactions to sulphites include headaches, flushing of the face, nausea etc. Others may also experience shortness of breath, wheezing, and nose stuffiness. As sensitivity varies from individual to individual, the extent of the reaction will vary. It is further problematic because, even if Sulphur Dioxide is not added to wine, there will always be a small amount of Sulphur Dioxide present as it is a by-product of alcoholic fermentation.
Innovative solution
Where there is a will, there is a way, as the saying goes. That is what drove a family owned business from Australia to create the first ever preservative remover for wine, champagne, beer and other alcoholic drinks. Their company name tells the whole story: SO2GO. And their equally revealing motto is “Enjoy a night to remember, not a morning to forget!” Established in 2009 in Perth of West Australia, it already enjoys substantial success domestically, while also being exported in USA and the UK.
But what does “ SO2GO” do exactly? By neutralising/lowering preservatives, such as Sulphur Dioxide, it prevents nasty symptoms caused by wine sensitivities. “SO2GO” is a completely safe, tasteless and natural product, which contains a measured, dilute solution of food-grade Hydrogen Peroxide. It oxidises the active wine preservative, Sulphur Dioxide gas, significantly reducing the sulphur dioxide preservatives! It doesn’t sacrifice taste in the name of wine allergy prevention, and wine is still fresh and enjoyed in a vibrant condition. Winemakers use the same method to remove bulk sulphites in the wine, prior to bottling. They must leave a certain amount in the bottle to keep the wine from spoiling. What “SO2GO” does is safely and easily eliminate the residual wine preservatives.
Easy to use
Their product comes in sachets and sprays, which are easy to transport in your pocket or handbag. Convenient packaging of “SO2GO” means it’s perfect for a night out… or in. This also means that you can enjoy preservative free wine at any time. Per their explanation, all you have to do is: “Simply spray your glass or empty a sachet into your bottle. No messing around trying to count drops! Perfect, safe wine!”
