The Low Sulphite Discovery Case

The Low Sulphite Discovery Case

Explore a more thoughtful approach to winemaking with The Low Sulphite Discovery Case, a six-bottle mixed wine case featuring one sparkling wine, two white wines and three red wines from independent European producers.

Each bottle has been selected to demonstrate a different interpretation of low sulphite wine. The case ranges from a traditional-method sparkling wine made with no added sulphur to carefully protected wines that use only small, controlled additions of sulphur dioxide for stability at bottling.

Low sulphite does not describe one particular flavour or winemaking style. These wines include fresh sparkling wine, aromatic Italian Pinot Grigio, mineral Godello, fragrant Sicilian red, unoaked Touriga Nacional and mature Cabernet Sauvignon. Together, they show that lower-sulphite winemaking can produce wines that are clean, expressive, stable and full of regional character.

This mixed case was created alongside our guide, Low sulphite wines explained: what they are and why people choose them. Read the article to learn what sulphites are, why winemakers use them and the important difference between low sulphite and no added sulphites.

What Is Included in The Low Sulphite Discovery Case?

1. Domaine Klur Cuvée Meow Crémant d’Alsace Sans Soufre

Alsace, France | Sparkling wine | No added sulphites

A premium traditional-method Crémant d’Alsace made from Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois. It combines fine bubbles with fresh apple, citrus and subtle brioche notes, followed by a long, dry and softly textured finish.

The phrase sans soufre means “without sulphur”. No sulphites are deliberately added during vinification, ageing or disgorgement. The total sulphite level is expected to remain below 10 mg/L, with any detectable sulphites occurring naturally as a result of fermentation.

2. Casa de Outeiro Godello

Ribeira Sacra, Spain | White wine | Approximately 15–25 mg/L total sulphites

A vibrant and mineral Galician white with aromas of citrus, pink grapefruit and white peach. The palate combines refreshing acidity with ripe apple, mango and a long, gently earthy finish.

This is not strictly a no-added-sulphites wine, as a very small protective dose may be used at bottling. Its total sulphur dioxide level is nevertheless exceptionally low, at approximately 15–25 mg/L, depending on the relevant technical analysis. Careful low-temperature handling and controlled oxygen exposure help reduce the need for heavier additions.

3. Olivier Cazenave Bel A Ciao Vin Orange

Bordeaux, France | Orange wine | No added sulphites during harvesting and vinification

An expressive orange wine made from Sémillon with a small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc. Two weeks of skin contact give the wine its amber colour, gentle texture and distinctive character, with notes of tangerine, tropical fruit, wild flowers, spice and fresh lemon.

No sulphites are added during harvesting or vinification and, when vintage conditions allow, the wine is bottled without any addition. Its total SO₂ is therefore limited to naturally occurring trace amounts, typically remaining below approximately 15–20 mg/L.

4. Fabrizio Vella Rosso Organico

Sicily, Italy | Organic natural red wine | No added sulphites

A fresh and characterful Sicilian Nero d’Avola made with natural fermentation. It offers dark fruit, liquorice, spice and chocolate notes, balanced by lively acidity and a persistent finish.

This wine is made without added sulphites. Its total SO₂ consists only of the small quantity naturally generated during fermentation, generally sitting below 10 mg/L and reaching approximately 20 mg/L at most, depending on the individual bottling.

5. Giuseppe Sedilesu Sartiu Cannonau di Sardegna

Sardinia, Italy | Organic red wine | Approximately 40–50 mg/L total sulphites

An organic Cannonau from the high-altitude vineyards around Mamoiada in Sardinia. It combines ripe fruit and spice with a dense yet fresh palate, delicate tannins and impressive depth.

The total sulphur dioxide level typically falls between approximately 40 and 50 mg/L, depending on the vintage. This remains well below the maximum permitted for a comparable organic dry red wine and reflects the Sedilesu family’s careful, low-intervention approach.

6. Sáenz de Santamaría Señorío de Rondan Rioja Gran Reserva

Rioja, Spain | Mature red wine | 38 mg/L total sulphites

A traditionally styled Gran Reserva made from Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo. Extended ageing in French oak and bottle has created a complex and elegant red with ripe blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, leather, sweet tobacco and beautifully integrated structure.

Despite its maturity and long ageing, the wine contains only 38 mg/L of total SO₂. This is an unusually low level for a mature Rioja and demonstrates that low-sulphite wines are not limited to youthful, light-bodied or unconventional natural styles.

Low Sulphite Wine Without a Single House Style

This case has been assembled to show that low-sulphite wines do not all taste alike. Some winemakers avoid adding sulphur completely, while others use a minimal dose at bottling to protect freshness and stability. The right approach depends on the grape variety, vintage, wine style and the practical needs of each individual producer.

Across these six bottles, you can compare:

• a sparkling wine with no added sulphites;
• two fresh and expressive low-sulphite white wines;
• a fragrant Sicilian natural red;
• an unoaked and contemporary Portuguese Touriga Nacional;
• a mature Cabernet Sauvignon with only 20 mg/L of total sulphites.

Why Choose The Low Sulphite Discovery Case?

• Six carefully selected low-sulphite wines;
• one sparkling wine, two white wines and three red wines;
• a mixture of no-added-sulphites and minimal-sulphur winemaking;
• organic, biodynamic and naturally made wines from independent producers;
• a broad range of grapes, regions and winemaking styles;
• an ideal introduction to low-intervention and low-sulphite wine.

Please note: sulphite levels can vary between vintages and individual bottlings. The figures quoted in this description are based on the latest technical information available to Hay Wines and were last reviewed in July 2026.