|
|
Why is my head pounding - 2007/05/09 15:54
I woke up with a red wine headache. I didn't exceed my 'half bottle' limit, so why is my head pounding?
Tannin, that mouth puckering astringent you find in red wine and wines that have been aged in new oak barrels can cause a headache. Many people who have the same complaint think sulfites cause their pain. Sulfites could be an issue, but many of them don't have a problem eating dried fruit, which is also preserved by sulfites. They tell me that some red wines don't bother them and others leave them regretting their indulgence, even in small quantities.
Oak tannins come from fermenting or aging wine in a new oak barrel. Aging wine in French oak is the preference here in the U.S., but French oak is expensive. Many producers don't put their wine in barrels to achieve this oakiness we Americans love; they add oak chips, staves, and oak adjuncts directly to the wine. Like anything popular, you have the real thing and then a knock-off version comes along. It's these additives that cause my head to pound.
American oak barrels cost much less than French oak, but they too can add plenty of oak tannin to a wine. Tannins and oak flavors from a barrel will subside after a few uses. Older barrels are called neutral oak and have a softening effect on a wine without adding much tannin, while not instigating a pounding headache.
There is something delightful and uncomplicated about enjoying a glass of wine that tastes like grapes and not a woodshop. Once you figure where your headache comes from, you'll be able to purchase wine without that uncertainty. And the good news is more and more producers are electing to produce some wines in stainless steel.
*Please note, this information is offered to people who suffer with mild headaches from red wine. It is not intended as medical advice. If you have problems with sulfites, do not take chances, avoid drinking wine.
|
|
TheOldWine
