PIONEERS OF PRESERVATIVE-FREE WINE IN THE SOUTH WEST SINCE 1987
Winemaker Mark Warren talks about the level of care taken when producing Happs' preservative-free wines.
The Happs' difference
Erl Happ pioneered the production of sulphite-free wine in the South West in 1987.
We think we’ve learnt a lot since then and perfected the process to produce sulphite-free enjoyable drinkable wines that you have come to love.
The preservative-free red was the first to be produced and then due to high demand a white and rosé were added to the range.
The Happs' team take the utmost care in producing preservative-free wines using only pristine grapes, which are disease free.
All fruit is hand-picked to avoid any damage to the grapes. The preservative-free wines are then produced in stainless steel tanks rather than barrels.
“They are handled like white wines. Kept cold. You don’t want oxidation which leads to the growth of bacteria turning the wine to vinegar,’ Erl Happ said.
“Our preservative-free wines are designed to be enjoyed young but they can be cellared for several years.
“They are easy drinking, vibrant and packed with fruit flavours.”
what is preservative-free wine?
In conventionally made wines, sulphur dioxide is added to protect the wine from spoilage and oxyidation. Preservative-free wines are made without the addition of sulphur dioxide. Preservative free wine must have less than 10ppm total sulpur. This is the level that can naturally occur in wine and is a fraction of the legal limit of 250ppm.
Over the past 35 years, the Happs team have honed their skills as winemakers and grapegrowers to craft preservative free wines without comprimising on quality. This means you can drink mouthwatering wine without worrying about the side effects of sulphur dioxide on your body.
How is Preservative Free Wine Different to Organic Wine?
Organic wines are made from grapes that have been grown organically – that is, without the use of synthetic fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides or fungicides.
Many people assume that organic wine is also preservative free but this is not usually the case. In Australia orgnanic wines can have up to 120ppm of total sulphur.
Although this limit is nearly half the limit of conventional wines, it is still a significant amount of sulphur dioxide and exceeds the level of sulphur in any Happs' Wine.
The terms organic and preservative free are not directly related. Check the label. If it doesn't say it it is preservative free it almost certainly isn't.
what our customers love
Kristy Lee loves Happs' preservative-free range as it tastes great and helps with her sulphur allergy. Her favourite wine is the rosé.
Andrea Jones has several friends who are allergic to sulphur she takes a bottle of preservative-free red to special occasions which is always a winner.
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