Sulfur in wine

Sulfur in wine – Sulfur dioxide – SO2, a preservative.
European approval number: E 220.

All wines contain SO2 as a preservative.
SO2 binds the oxygen and opposes oxidation.
So2 also hinders the growth of micro-organisms: bacteria and yeasts.

Too much SO2 is recognized by a sharp tingling, high up in the nose.
Some wines have an aroma of sulfur. That is no fault, but an expression of terroir: types of soil like limestone and volcanic soil in combination with the grape.