Gluten-Free Wine – Everything You Need to Know
You may have seen gluten-free wine on store shelves and wondered what it is. Or, maybe you are gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease and are looking for a safe way to enjoy wine. Either way, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions about gluten-free wine, including how it’s made and whether or not it’s safe for people with Celiac Disease.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is responsible for the elastic texture of dough and helps bread to rise when baking. When it comes to wine, gluten can be found in the fining process. Fining is a process that removes impurities from wine, such as excess tannins, proteins, and phenols.
There are several different fining agents that can be used, but the most common are casein (a milk protein), gelatin (derived from animal bones), isinglass (derived from fish bladders), and albumin (egg whites). These agents bind to the impurities in the wine and then settle to the bottom of the tank or barrel so that they can be removed before bottling.
How is Gluten-Free Wine Made?
Wine producers who want to make gluten-free wine have two options: they can use a different fining agent or forego the fining process altogether. The most common alternative fining agents used in gluten-free wine are bentonite clay and activated charcoal.
Bentonite clay is a type of clay that is able to absorb proteins, including gluten. It is often used in food processing as well as cosmetics and skincare products. Activated charcoal is also able to absorb proteins and other impurities. It is commonly used in water filtration systems but can also be found in some foods and beverages.
Another option for making gluten-free wine is simply not to fine the wine at all. This means that any impurities will remain in the wine, which may result in a hazy appearance. However, these impurities should not affect the safety of the wine for people with celiac disease or other gluten sensitivities.
Is Gluten-Free Wine Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
The short answer is yes! Gluten-free wine is safe for people with celiac disease or other forms of gluten sensitivity because the gluten protein is removed during either the fining or filtering process.
It’s important to note that while all wines are required by law to list their ingredients on the label, they are not required to list allergens such as sulfites (which can cause headaches and nausea in some people) or gluten. So, if you are looking for a 100% guaranteed gluten-free wine, your best bet is to look for wines that are certified by organizations such as The Gluten Intolerance Group or The Celiac Sprue Association.
Best Gluten-free Wine Brands
1. Cavalleri Wines
Cavalleri Wines is an Italian winery that produces a wide variety of red, white, and bubbly wines—all of which are gluten-free. What we love about Cavalleri is that they use traditional methods to produce their wines, which means you’re getting a true taste of Italy with every sip.
2. Domaine de la Villeboisiere
Domaine de la Villeboisiere is a French winery that produces 100% organic wines—reds, whites, and rosés—that are all gluten-free. The team at Domaine de la Villeboisiere takes great pride in their sustainable farming practices, and it shows in the quality of their wines.
3. Wind Gap Wines
Wind Gap Wines is an American winery that produces small-batch wines using grapes sourced from some of the best vineyards in California. Their lineup includes both red and white wines, all of which are gluten-free. We love Wind Gap’s commitment to quality and their attention to detail when it comes to crafting their wines.
4. Frey Vineyards
First up is Frey Vineyards, a family-owned organic winery based in Mendocino County, California. All of their wines are certified gluten-free and made with organic grapes. One of our favorites is the Biodynamic Gewurztraminer, which has aromas of lychee and honeysuckle and a hint of spice on the finish.
5. Arras
Next, we have Arras, a Tasmanian sparkling wine producer that uses traditional French techniques for its gluten-free bubbly. Their Brut Cuvée is crisp and refreshing with hints of green apple and pear. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions or enjoying as an aperitif.
6. Treadstock Wines
Finally, we have to give a shout-out to Treadsack Wines, a Houston-based winery that specializes in gluten-free wines made from Texas-grown grapes. Our top pick is their Red Blend, with bold flavors of blackberry and plum and a hint of tobacco on the finish.
No matter your dietary restrictions, there’s no need to miss out on enjoying a delicious glass of wine. Give one (or all!) of these gluten-free brands a try next time you’re stocking up your wine collection.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—our top six picks for the best gluten-free wine brands on the market today. Whether you’re looking for an Italian red, a French rosé, or an American white, these brands have got you covered.
We hope that this blog post has answered all of your questions about gluten-free wine! As you can see, there are several ways that producers can make safe, delicious wines that are free of gluten proteins.
So whether you are looking for an alternative due to allergies or simply want to try something new, be sure to pick up a bottle of gluten-free wine next time you’re at the store!