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 with an expressive nose of apple, citrus and brioche, fine bubbles and a long, dry finish. The phrase sans soufre means “without sulphur”, and no sulphites are added during vinification, ageing or disgorgement.

The wine is expected to contain fewer than 10 mg/L of total sulphites. Any detectable sulphites are naturally produced in very small quantities by yeasts during fermentation rather than added by the winemaker.

2. Casa de Outeiro Godello

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

A vibrant Galician Godello with aromas of citrus, pink grapefruit and white peach, followed by ripe apple, mango, refreshing acidity and a distinctive mineral finish.

Casa de Outeiro Godello is not technically a no-added-sulphites wine, but its total sulphur dioxide level is exceptionally low at approximately 15–25 mg/L, depending on the relevant technical analysis. A very small dose may be used at bottling to protect the wine during transport and storage, while careful low-temperature handling reduces the need for heavier preservation.

3. La Piotta Old Vine Pinot Grigio

Oltrepò Pavese, Italy | Organic white wine | Approximately 40–60 mg/L total sulphites

An aromatic and softly textured organic Pinot Grigio from the Padroggi family in Oltrepò Pavese. The wine includes fruit from nine historic rows of Pinot Grigio planted in 1930, bringing extra depth and character to this familiar Italian grape variety.

This is not a no-added-sulphites wine. Instead, it is made using carefully controlled additions, with total sulphite levels typically around 40–60 mg/L, depending on the vintage. It offers an accessible introduction to low-sulphite white wine without moving into a particularly unusual or oxidative style.

4. Occhipinti SP68 Rosso

Sicily, Italy | Biodynamic red wine | Approximately 20–30 mg/L total sulphites

One of Sicily’s most celebrated natural wines, made by Arianna Occhipinti from approximately 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d’Avola. It is fragrant and lively, with wild cherry, plum, raspberry, flowers, herbs, spice and fine-grained tannins.

Natural yeasts are used and the wine is made without fining or filtration. It is not completely free from added sulphites, as a very small dose may be used at the final stage before bottling. Total sulphur dioxide generally sits at approximately 20–30 mg/L, depending on the vintage.

5. Fitapreta Touriga Vai Nua

Alentejo, Portugal | Organic red wine | Generally below 70–85 mg/L total sulphites

An unoaked Touriga Nacional from innovative Portuguese winemaker António Maçanita. The name translates as “Touriga goes naked”, referring to the decision not to mature the wine in oak. Expect fresh cherries, mulberry, blackberry, bergamot, rose petals and a lifted, silky texture.

This wine contains sulphites, but total levels are generally below approximately 70–85 mg/L, depending on the vintage. Although this is higher than some of the other bottles in the case, it remains significantly below the maximum generally permitted for conventional dry red wine.

6. Folgorosa Cabernet Sauvignon

Lisboa, Portugal | Mature red wine | 20 mg/L total sulphites

A mature Portuguese Cabernet Sauvignon with flavours of blackberry, cassis, plum and blueberry, supported by black pepper, warming spice and well-integrated tannins.

Laboratory information for this wine records just 20 mg/L of total sulphites. It is not a no-added-sulphites wine, as a minimal amount of sulphur is used to help stabilise it, but the resulting total remains extremely low compared with many mainstream commercial wines.

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.