Why Is There Egg And Milk In Wine: Unraveling The Surprising Ingredients

Why are eggs and milk added to wine? In the traditional wine production process, a step known as fining is employed to enhance the wine’s clarity and stability. During this process, certain substances like tannins are removed from the wine by co-precipitating with proteins derived from various sources. These protein sources commonly include milk, which provides casein and potassium caseinate, as well as eggs, contributing ovalbumin and lysozyme. Additionally, some winemakers use fish-derived isinglass for fining purposes. This technique helps improve the overall quality of the wine, making it visually appealing and preventing undesirable sediment or cloudiness.

The question of whether red wine contains milk and eggs is related to the historical use of fining agents in the wine-making process. Traditionally, animal-derived substances were employed for this purpose. Specifically, egg whites, referred to as albumin, were commonly utilized for red wine fining, while milk protein, known as casein, was employed for white wine. This practice has been in use for a long time. However, it’s important to note that there have been advancements in wine-making techniques and alternative fining agents have become more prevalent in recent years. As of August 2, 2022, it’s worth checking the specific practices of individual wineries or looking for wines labeled as vegan or vegetarian if you have dietary restrictions or preferences related to animal products.