Preservative-free wines are gaining popularity among Australian wine enthusiasts seeking a more natural and authentic experience. At FAB, we proudly offer a curated selection of organic, preservative-free wines that embody purity and minimal intervention.
Explore our range →

What Is a Preservative-Free Wine?

Preservative-free wines are crafted without the addition of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), commonly labelled as Preservative 220 or 224.
While SO₂ is a natural byproduct of fermentation, winemakers often add extra to prevent spoilage and oxidation. In preservative-free wines, no additional SO₂ is introduced, allowing the wine to express its true character.

Is Sulphur Dioxide Always Present in Wine?

Yes, sulphur dioxide naturally forms during fermentation.
Even in wines labelled "preservative-free," trace amounts (typically under 10 parts per million) may be present. These minimal levels are generally considered safe and are significantly lower than those found in conventional wines.

How Do Winemakers Produce Quality Preservative-Free Wines?

Crafting preservative-free wines requires meticulous attention to detail. Winemakers must:

• Harvest only pristine, healthy grapes
• Maintain strict hygiene throughout the winemaking process
• Control oxygen exposure to prevent oxidation
• Utilize natural stabilization methods, such as sterile filtration

This careful approach ensures the production of clean, vibrant wines without the need for added preservatives.

Is "Preservative-Free" the Same as "Organic"?

Not necessarily. While all our preservative-free wines at FAB are certified organic, the terms are not synonymous:

• Organic wines: Produced from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and may contain added sulphur dioxide within regulated limits.
• Preservative-free wines: Contain no added sulphur dioxide but are not always made from organically grown grapes.

Therefore, a wine can be organic without being preservative-free, and vice versa.

What Are the Legal Limits for Sulphur Dioxide in Organic Wines?

Regulations vary by region and wine type:

Australia (Australian Certified Organic standards):

• Red wines: Up to 100 mg/L SO₂
• White and rosé wines: Up to 150 mg/L SO₂

European Union (EU Regulation 203/2012):

• Red wines (<2 g/L residual sugar): Up to 100 mg/L SO₂
• White and rosé wines (<2 g/L residual sugar): Up to 150 mg/L SO₂
• Sweet wines: Limits increase with sugar content

These limits are lower than those for conventional wines, reflecting a commitment to reduced chemical intervention.

Are Preservative-Free Wines Better for People with Allergies?

Some individuals sensitive to sulphites report fewer adverse reactions when consuming preservative-free wines.
However, reactions can also stem from other compounds like histamines. If you experience discomfort after drinking wine, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

How Do Preservative-Free Wines Taste?

Preservative-free wines often exhibit a pure, vibrant profile, showcasing the true essence of the grape and terroir. They may have a shorter shelf life and are best enjoyed young, but their freshness and authenticity offer a unique tasting experience.

Explore Our Organic, Preservative-Free Wine Collection

At FAB, we celebrate the art of minimal intervention winemaking.
Our selection of organic, preservative-free wines offers a healthier, more natural choice for wine lovers.
Discover our curated collection here: Organic & Preservative-Free Wines

Preservative-free wines represent the purest form of wine. They are crafted without additives and grown without synthetic chemicals. With every bottle, you enjoy not only a cleaner expression of terroir but also a healthier, more conscious sip.

Preservative Free wine Highlights

1. Organic Hill – Preservative Free Founders Shiraz 2020 (South Australia)

• Tasting Notes: Deep red colour with a soft ruby hue. Aromas of dense, intense spice and black pepper, with hints of blackberries. The palate is rich with deep black fruits and berry flavours, balanced by supple fine-grained tannins and a fine acid structure, lending persistence and complexity.
• Producer Insight: Crafted to showcase the depth and character of Shiraz without the addition of preservatives, reflecting Organic Hill's dedication to pure winemaking.

2. Paxton – NOW Shiraz 2024 (McLaren Vale, South Australia)

• Tasting Notes: A surprisingly complex flavour explosion of earthy ironstone and cold-smoked charcuterie layered on undertones of plump raspberries. As the wine opens, notes of blueberries and bubble-gum emerge, balanced by subtle hints of fresh marjoram. Medium-bodied, juicy, and easy-drinking.
• Producer Insight: "NOW" stands for 'Natural Organic Wine' with no added preservatives. Paxton is at the forefront of organic and biodynamic practices in viticulture and winemaking, producing estate-grown wines that represent McLaren Vale's fruit quality and natural diversity.

3. Chakana – Sobrenatural Bonarda 2021 (Mendoza, Argentina)

• Tasting Notes: A vibrant and juicy Bonarda, exuding cherry aromas intertwined with herbal nuances. The palate is dominated by pure fruit-forward flavors, complemented by subtle tannins and crisp acidity, culminating in a refreshing finish.
• Producer Insight: Chakana's Sobrenatural line is produced from organic, biodynamic vineyards with no added sulphites, reflecting a commitment to natural winemaking.

4. Celler de Les Aus – 'Bruant' Cava 2020 (Catalonia, Spain)

• Tasting Notes: This cava is 100% Xarel-lo with no sulphur added, single fermentation in bottle and aged on lees for a minimum of 15 months. Boasting white flowers on the nose and white fruit on the palate, this is an amazingly decadent and precise sparkling wine.
• Producer Insight: Alta Alella's Celler de Les Aus pioneered the first no-added-sulphite cava in 2006, emphasizing the purest expression of the Pansa Blanca grape and the Sauló soil.

5. Champagne Jean Michel – Cep Extra Brut NV (Champagne, France)

• Tasting Notes: Aromatically mature, it exudes candied fruit notes like quince or candied orange, complemented by a pronounced hint of honey. The palate offers a delightful freshness and good length, featuring candied lemon notes and a subtle grilled touch that punctuates the finish.
• Producer Insight: Blending Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir in equal parts, this wine undergoes sulphite-free fermentation and bottling. It showcases a golden colour with straw reflections and a pure white foam.