Amir Afshar, a chemical engineer and a wine lover, has been considering preservation and changing traditional winemaking techniques. He is part-owner of three paint companies, which have formulated paint for military use, and he has been diagnosed with an allergic reaction to sulfites used in wine preservation. He is developing a wine that the 5-8% of Americans with sulfite intolerance can enjoy. Afshar's family followed an ancient tradition of natural winemaking in Iran, which didn't involve the addition of any chemicals. The wines were only good for a short time, but they tasted great. The use of sulfites in winemaking goes back to ancient times, but nobody knew it could cause health issues for some people. Home winemaking allowed Afshar to appreciate aged wines with developed tannins and more complex flavors. He found that many things are done in winemaking just because they have always been done that way. The use of natural corks is no longer considered the best way to seal wine, and wooden or clay plugs have been used in the past. Barrels were the most convenient technology a thousand years ago, but it is not the best thing for all wines. The Greeks and Romans aged their wines in ceramic amphorae. Afshar is using his skills as a chemist to develop sulfite-free wines and explore alternative techniques in winemaking.
Amir Afshar is a chemical engineer who loves wine but is allergic to the sulfites commonly used to preserve it. He is part of a small percentage of Americans who are sulfite intolerant. In an effort to continue enjoying wine, Amir has used his chemical knowledge to create his own wines using ancient preservation methods. He has also experimented with storing wine in silver, a material that has an antibacterial effect, to preserve his wine. Amir has found that traditional winemaking processes are often done just because they have always been done that way, and he is seeking to change that by incorporating new techniques that preserve the quality of the wine.
Sulfites, specifically sulfur dioxide (SO2), are commonly found in wine, and they are a natural by-product of the fermentation process in winemaking. This means that all wines contain sulfites. Sulfite reactions typically affect breathing, but some people who are sensitive to sulfites can experience skin reactions, such as hives, or digestive problems, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. Some individuals may experience a combination of respiratory, skin, and digestive reactions.
To combat bacteria on grape skins, the wine industry typically sprays grapes with a solution containing sulfites. However, there is another method being developed that involves using a mix of chemicals that evaporates with no residue left on the grape, similar to how ozone kills bacteria on contact. This method is being developed by researchers who are applying methods from other areas to winemaking.
Introducing Saint Chalance, the opposite of nonchalance. This sulfite-free wine is made in the tradition of the oldest wine producing regions in the world, with a passion that shines through every sip. Crafted using the finest grapes from Napa Valley, this natural wine boasts a robust flavor that is both healthy and delicious.
Saint Chalance is deep purple in color, with a medium to full-bodied palate that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning wine connoisseur. The complex flavor profile includes notes of blackberry, currant, and black cherry, with subtle hints of spices, cigar box, and a pervasive minerality.
Unlike other wines, Saint Chalance is free of artificial preservatives and sulfites, making it a healthier and more natural option for wine lovers. Instead, the winemaker has used natural antioxidants and cutting-edge methodology to produce a wine that is both delicious and better for you.
Experience the passion of Saint Chalance and indulge in the deep, complex flavors that only the finest natural wines can offer.
Experience the passion of Saint Chalance, a sulfite-free wine made with care and innovation, and savor the deep and complex flavors of this exceptional wine.
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Introducing the passion project of Amir Afshar, a sulfite-free wine that combines ancient preservation methods with cutting-edge technology. With a chemical engineering background and a love for wine, Amir has created Saint Chalance, a robust and flavorful wine made with the finest grapes from Napa Valley. Using natural antioxidants instead of artificial preservatives, Saint Chalance is a medium to full-bodied wine with deep purple color and subtle notes of blackberry, currant, black cherry, spices, cigar box, and minerality.
Sulfite intolerance affects a small percentage of Americans, causing respiratory, skin, and digestive reactions. To preserve wine, the industry commonly sprays grapes with sulfites, a natural by-product of fermentation. However, Amir believes that traditional winemaking processes can be improved by incorporating new techniques that preserve the quality of the wine. He has experimented with storing wine in silver, which has antibacterial properties, and is constantly seeking ways to innovate and create exceptional wine without sacrificing health or taste.
Experience the passion of Saint Chalance, a sulfite-free wine made with care and innovation, and savor the deep and complex flavors of this exceptional wine.
