Q&A: Wine & Food Questions
Allergic to Chardonnay?
A close friend almost always has a negative reaction to chardonnay, including bad mood swings. It is not a quantity thing, as it happens after as little as two glasses.This person does not have any similar reaction to other whites, nor to any reds. I suspect there is some minor chemical element in Chardonnay not present in other whites. Does anyone have any idea what this might be? Or any other explanation?
Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
You bring up an important and common general concern, and I hope you'll bear with me as I try to give you a considered reply. Over the years in the wine business, I have spoken to many wine drinkers who have complained about ill effects of one kind or another from a particular type of wine. Usually, the symptoms are relatively mild - headache or fatigue, for example. In other words, the reactions have not been the severe ones that an asthmatic might experience from sulfites (you may want to look over my recent answer to a question about sulfur dioxide in wine). I am often told by customers in our retail operation that they have a bad reaction to sparkling wines, or white wines, or red wines, and therefore they naturally avoid that particular wine. Our response to wine is highly complicated in every sense (and all senses) and may be influenced by past experience (expectation), foods we eat, context, health, or mood. It just so happens that perception is reality - it's not just a trite saying. If you believe that Chardonnay (or Cabernet or Champagne) causes ill effects, then the next time you drink this type of wine you'll probably experience what you anticipate. Moreover, we often overlook the basic fact that consuming alcohol in any form can potentially lead to unpleasant physical reactions as well as mood changes which vary greatly by individual - and by occasion. Sometimes, simple dehydration while drinking wine has unpleasant consequences. In other words, keep an open mind, consume alcohol in moderation, and drink plenty of water!
About The Expert
Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with Europe's leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he served as senior executive of Frederick Wildman & Sons, traveling regularly around the world to visit wineries and taste the new vintage from barrel. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993.
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