Quick Take

Many/most wines are not vegetarian let alone vegan due to the fact that wineries have needed to find and use methods to speed up the clarification process to make wines look brilliant, remove excess color or have a satin smooth finish.

To shop natural wines check out our selection here. And, as always be sure to read the fine print if you are shopping for yourself or a friend or family member that has food allergies or dietary restrictions. The other angle is to shop Kosher wine because Kosher wine by definition does not allow for use of shellfish or non-kosher animal products like gelatin. Bartenura comes in a can format, and we do offer it, so check out Bartenura’s Rosato and their Mosacto as well.

Introduction

In the world of wine production, the fining process plays a crucial role in achieving clarity and stability. However, many methods and fining agents are not vegan, leading to concerns for those who follow a plant-based lifestyle. This article explores what it means for a wine to be vegan, the fining agents used in winemaking and how these methods affect the wine.

The Natural Clarification Process

Suspended solids in wine naturally settle to the bottom of the barrel over time, a process known as sedimentation. This natural clarification can be slow, and wineries often seek ways to expedite it to meet production demands. While this natural process improves wine quality, fining methods are used to speed up the clarification process and ensure the wine is ready for bottling.

Definition of a Fining Agent

A fining agent is a substance added during wine production to remove unwanted particles and improve clarity. These agents help eliminate suspended solids, proteins, and other impurities that can affect the wine's appearance, flavor, and stability.

Egg Whites in Bordeaux

Egg whites are used to reduce tannins and enhance clarity, particularly in red wines. They are commonly used in Bordeaux, especially for Cabernet Sauvignon, to smooth out the wine and improve its appearance.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is a natural substance that absorbs proteins and other impurities, helping to clarify both red and white wines. It is effective in removing haze and improving wine stability. Unlike most other substances mentioned in this article, Bentonite Clay, as far as we can tell is vegan and is therefore should be considered vegan.

Gelatin, Collagen and Wine Color

Gelatin typically comes from animal sources, particularly the collagen found in connective tissues, bones, and skin of animals such as cows, pigs, and fish. The process involves boiling these parts to extract the collagen, which is then processed into gelatin. Because it is derived from animals, gelatin is not considered vegan. Gelatin is used to brighten wine color by removing excess tannins. This results in a more vibrant and appealing appearance, enhancing the wine's overall presentation.

Isinglass, Fish Bladders and White Wine Clarity

Isinglass, where do these names come from, derived from fish bladder, is used to clarify white wines and remove unnecessary color. It is especially effective in giving white wines a clean and bright appearance.

Casein Milk Protein and Sauvignon Blanc

Casein, a milk protein, is used primarily in white wines like Sauvignon Blanc to remove oxidative taint and achieve brilliant clarity. It helps to stabilize the wine and enhance its appearance.

Chitosan, Crustaceans and White Wines

Chitosan is derived from chitin, which is a substance found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. Chitosan is used to address excess color in white wines, helping to balance and clarify the wine's color. It contributes to a more refined and aesthetically pleasing final product

Plastics in Rosé Wines

So we were well aware of the fact that plastics are nearly everywhere especially in our drinking water, but what the heck, it’s in our Rose too?? Damn Straight. Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) is a plastic substance used primarily in Rosé wines to achieve an elegant pale color. It helps to clarify the wine and enhance its visual appeal.

Conclusion

Understanding fining agents and their impact on wine production we hope will help you as the consumer make more informed choices about the wines you enjoy. While we aren’t vegetarian nor vegan and therefore enjoy most wines, we do feel it’s important to be aware of what’s going on behind the scenes especially in regards to plastics in Rose.

Explore our selection of these innovative wines in a can to find your favorite and elevate your wine experience.