I’ve been answering wine queries on the question and answer site Quora. I’ll share some of the most interesting questions I’ve been asked and, of course, my answers. I limit myself to spending a couple minutes on each response, not doing any research or “cheating.” I rely on my experience and opinion, which is probably not a bad way handle most things.
Question: Which wines contain isinglass*?
Answer: This, unfortunately, is really hard to know. Well it’s a fining agent so it’s removed before the wine is bottled.** But what degree, if any, is it “in” the finished wine? (I don’t know how much remains behind…and how negligible it is.)
The only way to find out is to dig deep on a winery’s website, locate the PDF “tech sheet” for the wine, and then hope they not only mention they fined the wine, but what they used! (What a PITA!)
Ingredient labeling is a HUGE issue in the world of wine. Should you have to mention what substance you use to fine a wine? Is it truly an “ingredient”? Lots of questions here.
There is a website that lists vegan wines (whose URL I cannot remember off the top of my head***), so you know they did not use isinglass. Some wines will state “vegan-friendly” on the back label, too.
*A fish bladder derivative.
**It binds with floaties/particles, making them easier to remove.
***Barnivore came to mind. I thought there was another site but I was wrong.
Fish Fhoto by Foodista via Flickr.
