Unflavored wine is gluten-free by nature and can be consumed safely on a gluten free diet. Wines that have extra flavors or additives might not be gluten-free.
Wines that are naturally free of gluten include Bordeaux, cabernet, Chardonnay and other varieties. Champagne and Prosecco, which are sparkling wines, do not contain gluten.
Areas of Potential Cross-Contact
To determine if a wine is gluten free, it’s important to examine its wine-making process.
The grapes used to make red and white wines are naturally gluten-free. Gluten is not used in the fermentation process. Gluten could enter bottles after fermentation through a process known as fining. This involves adding substances to the wine in order to clarify it. Fining agents are used to bind to unwanted particles in the wine. These can be filtered so that it appears clearer.
The gluten in the wine can be left behind if a winemaker uses a product containing gluten as a fining ingredient. It could be dangerous for those with celiac or gluten sensitivity. Studies suggest that, even if the product contains gluten after fineing, the amount is still much less than 20 parts per millions (ppm), the FDA’s maximum limit for a gluten-free label.
Discussions have also taken place about wine aging in barrels that are sealed with wheat paste. According to Gluten-Free Watchdog, studies have shown that these wines contained “below the lower limits of quantification of gluten for these assays at 5 and 10 parts/million respectively.” It is therefore possible to conclude that the wines aged in these casks are gluten-free.
Wines are generally considered to be gluten-free, despite the possibility of cross-contact occurring during the fining or aging process in oak barrels sealed by wheat paste.
Unsafe Wines
Wine coolers, wine beverages with flavors, and wine cocktail may also contain gluten. Wine coolers are often made with barley, which makes them incompatible for those on a gluten free diet.
