Sulfite Filter Will Help Sufferers Enjoy Wine
July 24, 2015 – It is estimated that three million Americans are sensitive to sulfites, a necessary additive to wine. For most people, sulfites are undetectable but for some they are blamed for headaches, itching and difficulty breathing. All wine has some naturally occurring sulfites. However, adding sulfites is a critical step in the winemaking process in order to avert spoilage.
But a solution is at hand courtesy of James Kornacki who is putting his doctorate in chemistry from Northwestern University to good use and you, too, can get in on his invention via Kickstarter.
His sleek sulfite filter, Üllo (pronounced Ooo-low), captures sulfites onto a porous polymer material designed to ensure that the first 100 mL of wine is as equally pure as the last pour for a single bottle. The filter reduces sulfites to 10 ppm, which is about the level naturally occurring in a wine. Each filter is good for one 750 ml bottle and replacements will be available for $20.00 for 10 filters. The entire filter gizmo was designed to fit a decanter or a single glass. It comes apart easily for washing and filter replacement.
Cleverly, Üllo can purify and aerate wine in the same pour. With a simple twist, you can opt to aerate your wine if desired. This is particularly useful for red wines.
Tests show that the taste of the wine is not affected, although white wine, which often has higher sulfite levels, was thought to be better after filtration.
To learn more about this project visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1831792426/ullothe-wine-purifier?ref=discovery